Mubasher: The US President Donald Trump has called on Congress to grant US passenger airlines $25 billion payroll assistance due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) impact on the aviation industry, Reuters reported.

The US President has also urged for $135 billion in funding for the paycheck protection programme to support small businesses.

Since the COVID-19 outbreak, airlines have suffered from the lockdown and restrictions, pushing them to layoff thousands of workers or give them unpaid leave.

In March, Congress approved a $25 billion bailout for the US airlines, but it was expired on 30 September.

Trump's demand came after he had called off negotiations with congressional Democrats over proposals to spend at least $1.6 trillion in additional coronavirus relief funds until after the election.

He recently said on his official Twitter that a major stimulus bill that supports hardworking Americans and small businesses will be passed after he wins the elections.

Last week, American Airlines and United Airlines began to cut 32,000 jobs, but if lawmakers reach a deal on a new government programme to fund payroll costs, this decision will not be effective.