The Luxembourg state spent €2.88 million on air travel for ministers and civil servants in 2024, according to recently released figures. Prime Minister Luc Frieden provided the data in response to a parliamentary question from Pirate Party MP Marc Goergen.
Ministry Travel Expenses
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs accounted for the largest portion of the expenditures, totaling approximately €1.28 million – nearly half of the overall budget. This is significantly higher than other ministries. The Ministry of Finance recorded roughly €350,000 in travel costs, while the Ministry of the Economy spent around €300,000.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the only ministry that occasionally books first-class tickets. These tickets accounted for €37,000 of the ministry’s total spending last year. Of the approximately 560 tickets booked by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 2024, nearly equal numbers were for economy (280) and business class (275) travel.
Past Charter Flights
The released data also includes expenses from charter flights booked in previous years. In August 2019, a €47,000 charter flight was used to urgently return then-Minister of Home Affairs Taina Bofferding from Fuerteventura after a tornado impacted southwestern Luxembourg.
Going forward, scrutiny of these expenditures could lead to increased pressure for cost-saving measures. It is possible that ministries may explore alternative travel arrangements or implement stricter guidelines for class of service. Further parliamentary inquiry is also likely, potentially focusing on the justification for specific high-cost flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much did the state spend on air travel in 2024?
The Luxembourg state spent €2.88 million on air travel for ministers and civil servants in 2024.
Which ministry incurred the highest air travel costs?
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs incurred the highest costs, at approximately €1.28 million.
Were any first-class tickets booked?
Yes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs occasionally booked first-class tickets, totaling €37,000 last year.
As governments navigate the complexities of international relations and domestic emergencies, how can transparency in travel spending best serve the public interest?
