BOURNEMOUTH Airport has joined aviation industry chiefs around the country in calling for more financial support.

A sector-wide plea comes after the Airport Operators Association (AOA) published its Airport Recovery Plan.

The plan reports that passenger numbers would not return to 2019 levels any earlier than 2025 and this benchmark was looking “ever-more unlikely” due to the short-term future with restrictions in place.

It urges the Government to set out a pathway on how travel ban and quarantine measures can be eased and ultimately removed through Covid testing and vaccination.

The AOA, which is the trade association that represents more than 50 UK airports, said the outlook for aviation in 2021 is “deteriorating”.

Bournemouth Airport said it was a “critical time” for the industry, with a request for furlough to be extended to prevent further job loses.

In response to the AOA’s Airport Recovery Plan, a spokesperson for Bournemouth Airport said: “Bournemouth Airport wholeheartedly supports the AOA’s Airport Recovery Plan and echoes its call for the UK Government to take a leadership role in bringing together other countries to set out a common approach to restarting aviation safely.

“It is a critical time for aviation, with regional airports bearing the brunt of extended inactivity in our skies.

“Specifically, we ask the Government to extend the furlough scheme beyond April 30, 2021, to avoid further job losses and reduced investment in the UK’s infrastructure.”

Karen Dee, chief executive of the AOA, said: “2020 was a devastating year and the start of 2021 has so far dashed airports’ hopes that this year will be significantly better. This summer must be a success for aviation if airports are to survive in the coming years.

“A further delay in airports’ recovery, leaves the UK’s economic recovery at risk and the UK Government’s levelling-up and global Britain agenda in tatters.

“A comprehensive Aviation Recovery Package is needed to see airports through the immediate government-ordered shut-down of aviation. This must include targeted financial support as well as a clear pathway to re-start across the four UK nations by easing travel restrictions when it is safe to do so, including through testing.”

While commercial flights have largely come to a standstill at many airports, with Southampton Airport closing at weekends, Bournemouth Airport, which is part of the Regional and City Airports group, has been able to continue with some cargo flights.

The Government said airports can now apply for a grant worth up to £8million to help protect jobs and the local economy.

The Airport and Ground Operators Support Scheme is open for applications until February 21.

It aims to help commercial airports across England cover losses on costs caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, including airfield operations, contracted services such as airfield and runway maintenance and business rate bills.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “A thriving aviation industry has been central to the success of this country and while we recognise the testing conditions airports are currently facing as a result of the pandemic, I believe the sector will be ready to bounce back once restrictions are lifted.

“This scheme is another step in the right direction, providing vital support for an industry that is raring to get back to business, once it is safe to do so.”