A package of financial support to ensure Exeter Airport can avoid the "worst case scenario" of closure is set to be signed off by councillors this week.
The double effect of both the collapse of Flybe, as well as the Covid-19 pandemic, has had a significant impact on the airport, leaving it facing a threat to its future existence.
When Flybe, who accounted for 75% of the passengers numbers at the airport, went into administration on 5 March, it led to the loss of 931 jobs.
This was followed by the coronavirus pandemic, with passenger numbers down by 94% during August.
East Devon District Council’s cabinet, when they meet on Wednesday night, will hear passenger numbers this year are expected to be between 80% and 90% down for the year with 96 employees facing redundancy.
They will be asked to approve a package of measures to support the airport, including a further deferral of £180,000 business rate relief, forward-funding the airport’s share of the Long Lane Enhancement scheme to the tune of nearly £750,000, and endorsing the concept of a sustainable aviation cluster centred on Exeter Airport.
