London Luton airport has reported a 66 per cent decrease in passenger numbers compared with the same period last year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The airport saw 575,000 passengers in September despite efforts to reassure passengers through the introduction of new measures in the terminal, including the installation of protective screens, hand sanitiser stations and the requirement to wear face coverings.
This follows news of a 74 per cent decrease in passenger traffic in August, despite the resumption of over 50 routes by the airport’s largest airline Wizz Air. The airport is also set to launch twice weekly flights to Catania, Italy, on October 22, bringing Wizz Air’s Luton network to 71 routes.
Alberto Martin, CEO of London Luton airport (LLA), commented on the news:
“I am immensely proud of all the staff at LLA for continuing to deliver a high level of customer care and service, even during these challenging times. However, although we saw some recovery in passenger numbers during the summer months it has been short-lived, with numbers beginning to tumble once again.
“I welcome the formation of the Government’s new travel taskforce, but urge them to work closely with industry to quickly and safely remove the need for self-isolation with testing.”
The CEO of London City Airport has also urged the government’s new Global Travel Taskforce to set out a Covid-19 testing roadmap.
