Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Should airlines be bailed out by governments or not?

Airlines across the world are asking for public money to see them through the unprecedented crisis for the sector created by the Covid-19 pandemic. But many say they shouldn’t get it. Ben Chu examines the economic case for and against state rescues

Friday 24 April 2020 19:24 BST
Comments
What’s the actual harm in letting airlines like Virgin Atlantic fail?
What’s the actual harm in letting airlines like Virgin Atlantic fail?

No one disputes that the coronavirus pandemic has destroyed the financial viability of many airlines through enforced lockdowns and a general collapse in air travel.

But there’s a great deal of disagreement about what the response of governments should be to the plight of these companies.

Richard Branson is publicly pleading with the UK Treasury for a large public loan for Virgin Atlantic.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in