EasyJet warns of further job losses under quarantine plan

EasyJet has warned of more job losses in the aviation industry if the UK's quarantine plans last longer than expected.

The UK on Monday introduced a 14-day quarantine period for international arrivals in what it said was a move to limit the spread of Covid-19. Airlines and other tourism businesses have attacked the plan as illogical and have warned it could cause the travel industry to collapse.

Johan Lundgren, easyJet's chief executive, told Sky News: "This is affecting millions of people and it's also affecting the UK vacation industry which has been a, a leading sector across the global aviation.

"I fear that unless there's a change into this, the aviation industry as we know it here in the UK will not be intact."

EasyJet has already said it would cut 4,500 jobs to shrink its operations for weaker demand in a weak post-Covid-19 market. Ryanair is cutting up to 3,000 jobs and British Airways is targeting 12,000 job reductions.

Ryanair boss Michael O'Leary said on Monday the plan was "rubbish" and that people would ignore it. The measure, which has penalties of £100 for those who breach it, will be reviewed every three weeks and there is talks of “travel corridors” between two countries to avoid the quarantine.