Qatar Airways is planning to cut a significant number of jobs because travel has been disrupted due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Gulf airline, which flew to more than 170 destinations with 234 aircraft as of March, has been hit by airport closures and travel bans imposed to contain the spread of coronavirus.
Qatar Airways issued a company notice warning cabin crew to prepare for redundancies.
Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker said: “We have to face a new reality, where many borders are closed, rendering many of our destinations closed and aircraft grounded as a result, with no foreseeable outlook for immediate, positive change,
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“The truth is, we simply cannot sustain the current numbers and we need to make a substantial number of jobs redundant – inclusive of Cabin Crew.”
A spokesperson for Qatar Airways told Simple Flying: “The unparalleled impact on our industry has caused significant challenges for all airlines and we must act decisively to protect the future of our business,
“As a result, Qatar Airways can confirm that the airline will make a number of roles redundant due to the impact of COVID-19. Any job loss is regrettable, and we will be working closely with all affected employees to offer our full support during this difficult time.
“We are extremely proud of the professionalism, dedication and loyalty of all members of the Qatar Airways family and thank them for their contribution in making the airline the global leader it is today. When circumstances improve, it is our intention to enable employees to rejoin when possible.”
The airline said last month some staff would have their wages halved for at least three months though would be later paid back.