Dubai-based Emirates airline has posted its first loss in more than three decades, saying it had been badly hit by the coronavirus lockdown that brought air transport to “a literal standstill”, AFP reported.

The Middle East's largest carrier said it suffered a $3.4 billion loss in the six months to September, prompting its parent group to slash its workforce by a quarter.

“In this unprecedented situation for the aviation and travel industry, the Emirates Group recorded a half-year loss for the first time in over 30 years,” the airline's chairman and chief executive, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said in a statement.

“No one can predict the future, but we expect a steep recovery in travel demand once a Covid-19 vaccine is available, and we are readying ourselves to serve that rebound.”