Those numbers (2022 vs. 2019) would never catch up, but for a different reason.

 

There are large numbers of people who would not step into airplane if they see anyone not wearing masks. No arguments would change their minds. I know many people like that, they are the nicest and smartest people, but ... they preferred to drive for several days, with kids in their car, instead of flying.

 

It has nothing to do with the price of petroleum, or being green or not. It is a near paranoidal fear of unknown.