How a small national airline navigated the complex skies of the twentieth century

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Luxair began in 1961 to connect Luxembourg with the rest of Europe. From its early days using Fokker aircraft to its strategic partnerships during the Apartheid era, the airline has evolved through shifting economic pressures and geopolitical realities, eventually becoming a symbol of national identity and artistic expression.

Founded in 1961, Luxair emerged from the earlier Luxembourg Airlines to meet the rising demand for European air travel. Its initial operations were modest, beginning with a route to Paris using a Fokker F27 Friendship. By the late 1960s, the airline was already experimenting with long-haul ambitions, operating a cooperative agreement with Trek Airways to fly to Johannesburg. This partnership eventually expanded into a joint venture called LUXAVIA, which allowed Trek Airways to bypass international anti-Apartheid boycotts by utilizing Luxair's livery and registration.

The airline's fleet history reflects the volatile economics of aviation. After moving toward an all-jet fleet in the early 2000s, Luxair found that rising fuel costs made regional jets unsustainable. This forced a strategic pivot back to turboprops, leading to an order for Bombardier Dash 8-Q400s in 2006. The company’s ownership structure also underwent a significant shift in 2015, when the state of Luxembourg purchased the 13 percent stake previously held by Lufthansa, cementing the government's role as the primary owner of the flag carrier.

Beyond logistics, Luxair has increasingly used its aircraft as canvases for social messaging. In recent years, the airline has introduced special liveries to support causes such as Luxembourg Pride Month, Pink October, and awareness for violence against women. These projects, such as the 2021 collaboration with street artist Christian 'SUMO' Pearson, aim to project a positive image during the recovery from global disruptions. Despite its growth, the airline maintains a somber history, including its only fatal accident in 2002, which remains a significant moment in its operational record.

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