Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said on Friday it has approved a loan of £34 million to Liverpool Airport to “provide stability for the airport” during the Covid-19 recovery period.

“The airport is a vital strategic infrastructure asset for the City Region, supporting an estimated 6,000 local jobs, providing £250 million per annum in economic impact and is an important facility for City Region residents,” said the authority.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “International connectivity is essential for the local economy and the roles of international gateways such as ports, airports and cruise terminals as economic hubs and drivers for local economies and tourism need to be maximised.

“That is why it is right that today we have agreed this loan facility to provide stability for the Airport, its passengers and other users during the Covid-19 recovery period.”