The operator of Gatwick has been condemned for announcing hundreds of job cuts on the same day it recorded a big rise in profits.

The British Airports Authority (BAA), which also runs Heathrow and Stansted, said a total of 700 managerial posts would be axed across the three airports in the next two-and-a-half years.

It refused to detail how the job losses would be shared between the airports, leaving thousands of workers with the cloud of redundancy over their heads.

But unions said more than 200 Gatwick workers could lose their jobs.

A BAA spokesman said: "It's possible some jobs will go at Gatwick. We will mitigate the impact by trying to help people move into suitable alternative roles. We are getting rid of bureaucracy rather than frontline staff."

BAA claimed its proposals, part of a restructuring programme called Delivering Excellence, would improve passengers' travel experience and save £45 million per year.

Details emerged as the firm posted improved results for the six months to September 30 despite the impact of wildcat strikes at Heathrow and the London bombings.

Despite the impact of a slowing UK economy, BAA reported a 9.6 per cent increase in underlying operating profits to £412 million.

Retail sales at its seven UK airports, including Gatwick and Stansted, rose 3.8 per cent to £324 million. A 2.5 per cent rise in passengers and higher landing fees helped overall revenues to rise by 6.4 per cent to £1.17 billion.

Prospect, the trade union for professional and managerial workers, condemned BAA's cuts programme. It said about 44 of its members at Gatwick were vulnerable as well as dozens more nonunion members.

Negotiator Ben Middleton said: "It is extremely disappointing BAA has announced job cuts after announcing strong interim results.

"The company says it wants to ensure it has the right people in the right jobs. But given the results, I think they already have that. BAA should be rewarding the staff that got them there not seeking to lay them off."

Mr Middleton said it would be difficult for unions to take industrial action because the cuts will be spread over two-and-a-half years.