The letter has been written by MP Henry Smith, who chairs the Future of Aviation parliamentary group that campaigns for the UK’s aviation sector, and has also been signed by 85 other parliamentarians.

Smith, whose Crawley constituency includes Gatwick airport, calls for a “comprehensive” package of support for the aviation, travel and tourism sectors which are “so important” as Covid-19 restrictions continue.

“These have been amongst the hardest hit of our economy and have suffered unprecedented losses, with passenger numbers at historically low levels even during the peak summer season,” says the letter to Johnson.

“As an island nation, our aviation, travel and tourism sectors are integral to our economy and are major employers throughout the UK. They will also be a vital part of our economic recovery from the pandemic when it is safe to do so.

“It is therefore essential that action is taken now to provide further protection for these businesses, their supply chains, employees and communities.”

The letter calls for the government to “provide immediate financial and additional support alongside a pathway to allow aviation to come out of these restrictions when safe to do so”.

Smith added the consequences of failing to protect our “world-class aviation, travel and tourism industries are unthinkable and will be felt across communities throughout the UK”.