The first months of 2020 saw 201,400 passengers travel with Luxair as pandemic lockdowns only hit mid-March. The dip from 296,574 passengers during the first quarter of 2019 was therefore less marked.

In the LuxairTours segment, which offers package holidays, the number of travellers dropped by 64%, from 67,800 last year to 24,700 during the first three months of 2021.

“The projections for the second part of the year are slightly more positive for LuxairTours,” the airline said in a statement. “Currently, bookings for this second part show a 19% decrease compared to 2019.”

Bookings with Luxair are down 48% compared to 2019 for the same period. LuxairTours holidaymakers have the advantage of the operator organising testing for people returning to the grand duchy and covering accommodation and flight costs should a positive coronavirus test lengthen their stay.

“The rest of 2021 will likely remain impacted by the covid-19 crisis,” the airline said. But it called the upcoming summer season “promising” so far.

In its cargo segment, Luxair reported 36% growth in the volume of wares handled (274,200 tonnes) compared to 2020.