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British Airways has told staff that its Gatwick airport operation may not reopen after the coronavirus pandemic passes.<\/b><\/p>\n
The admission came in a memo, written by the head of BA’s Gatwick hub and seen by BBC News.<\/p>\n
BA’s Gatwick operation, which is currently suspended, is roughly a fifth as big as its Heathrow hub.<\/p>\n
In a separate letter to pilots, BA said it cannot rule out suspending the rest of its Heathrow operation. <\/p>\n
In the memo to Gatwick’s staff, the company says: “As you know, we suspended our Gatwick flying schedule at the start of April and there is no certainty as to when or if these services can or will return.”<\/p>\n
In the letter to pilots, BA notes that some of its rivals abroad are facing tough competition. It adds that a quarter of BA’s 4,300 pilots are set to lose their jobs. <\/p>\n
“We need to ensure that our remaining operation is efficient, flexible and cost-competitive to enable us to survive in an increasingly lean and unpredictable industry,” says the letter from senior management.<\/p>\n
How will airlines get flying again?<\/a><\/p>\n