Jobs are being axed and opening hours could be slashed at Shoreham Airport.

The plans announced by airport owner Albemarle Shoreham Airport Limited have sent shockwaves of dismay through staff and many of the businesses based there.

Bosses are conducting what they have described as a “review of airport activities” and said there needs to be a number of redundancies to stem losses at the historic Art Deco airfield.

Although Albemarle refused to say exactly how many jobs would go, a source at the airport told The Argus as many as two people from each department faced the chop.

This includes administration, air traffic control, security and even the fire and safety crew.

Albemarle also admitted that the airport's opening hours are being reviewed but a spokesman added: “We are not prepared to discuss that at present.”

The turmoil at the airport, which is home to more than 50 aviation firms and other businesses, has prompted fears for its long-term future.

But in a statement Albemarle said it had no plans to close Shoreham.

The company bought the airport for a nominal £10 after the collapse of Croydon-based property group Erinaceous, which paid £8.6 million to former joint owners Brighton and Hove City Council and Worthing Borough Council.

Under an agreement with the councils, Albemarle is committed to keeping it running as an airport for 35 years and has spent £4 million on air-side improvement over the next four years.