The low-cost carrier had only 5.3 million passengers during the first six months of the year as the Covid-19 crisis hit the transport sector hard, leading to a net loss of £450 million for Norwegian.

The airline’s short-term future was secured after receiving £250 million in a state loan from the Norwegian government in May.

But Norwegian chief executive Jacob Schram warned: “We are thankful for the loan guarantee made available to us by the Norwegian government which we worked hard to obtain. However, given the current market conditions it is not enough to get through this prolonged crisis.”

Schram added: “For the past months we have been working tirelessly to make sure that we can emerge from this crisis as a stronger company, well-positioned for future competition.

“Some of these measures have been painful, but totally necessary if we are to make it through at all.”

Norwegian has brought more than 600 furloughed employees back to work since 1 July when it resumed flights on 76 routes, including some UK services, and put 15 aircraft back into the air.

“The market is still highly uncertain, mainly due to changing travel advice from governments across Europe. As the government changes its travel advice, demand is immediately impacted,” added the airline.

“Going forward the company will continue to adjust its route portfolio in line with demand and government travel advice.”