Passenger traffic at London Luton Airport (LLA) remains down by two-thirds compared to pre-pandemic levels.
It welcomed 1.2 million passengers throughout July and August this year, as holidaymakers took advantage of relaxed travel restrictions.
However it was still well down on 2019 when the airport served 3.6 million passengers.
The most popular destinations for passengers travelling through the airport in July and August were Palma de Mallorca, Bucharest and Belfast, reflecting the government’s traffic light system.
Despite the success of the UK’s vaccination program, the uncertainty created by changing travel restrictions resulted in a 4% drop in passenger numbers compared to last summer.
LLA is calling for further industry support from government.
This includes simplifying travel through easier and cheaper testing. and additional financial support through the quieter winter period.
“We recognise the effort Government is making to try to help the sector navigate this difficult period, but these figures make clear the need to urgently overhaul the current travel system,” said Alberto Martin, the airport’s CEO.
