Ryanair has announced it is to reduce the number of aircraft it operates from Stansted.
The airline expects to carry 2.5m fewer passengers at Stansted this winter, so flight numbers are being cut by 33%.
Ryanair's Chief Executive Michael O'Leary has blamed the downturn in passengers, higher airport charges and the British government's air passenger tax for the decision.
Mr O'Leary said he believes the airline has survived the recession so far because it is a budget operator.
However, he blamed today's decision on the British government's air passenger duty for dwindling passenger numbers. That tax will go up from £10 to £11 in November.
Mr O'Leary also blamed the charges levied by Stansted's owners, the British Airports Authority.
The cuts in capacity announced today could cost 2,500 jobs at Stansted.
