EasyJet racks up almost €1 billion loss after pandemic wrecks demand

A resurgence in cases across Europe has resulted in renewed travel restrictions

Like other airlines, EasyJet has been hard hit by the coronavirus. A resurgence in cases across Europe has resulted in renewed travel restrictions that have quashed any hopes of a recovery in demand. Picture: Rolf Schulten/Bloomberg

EasyJet said it lost as much as €939m (£845m) in the year through September after the Covid-19 pandemic wreaked havoc with the budget carrier’s summer schedule.

The UK company scrapped its dividend and expects to fly about a quarter of its typical capacity during the final three months of 2020, according to a statement on Thursday. The airline is reviewing its liquidity position and called on the state to step in with additional aid for the industry.