Pilots are calling for urgent action to help aviation because of the “devastating” impact of the pandemic-related lockdowns on UK airlines and airports. The British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) said the UK aviation industry has been the hardest hit in Europe by restrictions on international travel. Its analysis of official European air traffic data for June showed that the number of flights into and out of the UK has fallen by three-quarters compared to 2019. The union said its study showed that Gatwick and Manchester airports were the worst affected in Europe, with Heathrow and Stansted close behind. According to world trade body the International Air Transport Association, 860,000 jobs in UK aviation travel and tourism have been lost or are on furlough and are at risk of being lost, said BALPA. General Secretary Brian Strutton said: “It’s official. The UK aviation industry is the hardest hit in Europe, caused …