Passengers using Luton airport were down by 74% last month over July 2019 despite claiming to have the strongest recovery of any major airport in the UK.
While this represents a significant improvement on the previous month, the figures show that coronavirus is continuing to have a dramatic impact on the aviation industry.
Retail outlets also reopened, including Wasabi, Starbucks, Sunglass Hut and Benugo as the airport welcomed more passengers throughout July.
More businesses at the airport are due to open throughout August, including the Aspire Lounge following an extensive re-fit which was delayed by the pandemic.
EasyJet Holidays handled its first travellers on August 1 while Wizz Air continues to expand its network from Luton to serve 58 destinations with more than a dozen new routes launching this summer.
Airport chief executive Alberto Martin said: “Seeing an increasing number of passengers passing through the airport safely is a rich reward for all the hard work and effort our teams have put in on the ground during this incredibly difficult period.
“While we’re delighted to see more passengers passing through the airport, we are still a long way from normal.
“Over the next couple of months government assistance is going to be key.
“From providing passengers the reassurance they need to be able to take a long-awaited holiday to helping the sector and those who work in it play an essential role supporting the UK’s economic recovery.”
The airport handled 17.9 million passengers last year, an increase of 8.6% on 2018.