Airport News - British Airports Authority estimates volcano cost it 28 million   

30th April 2010

British Airports Authority estimates volcano cost it 28 million

The ash cloud that closed UK air space for 6 days cost BAA 28 million in lost revenue. The European commission estimates that the cost to the aviation industry alone will be around the 2 billion mark which on top of the worst recession for 70 years may force some companies over the brink.

BAA was reporting its first quarter results for Heathrow and Stansted which considering the recent disruption due to snow in January, the BA cabin crew strikes and the ash cloud were better than expected.

Overall 18.6 million passengers travelled for the 3 months up to March which was 0.2% up on 2009 and if it was not for these disruptions, BAA feel they would have enjoyed growth rate of around 3% at Heathrow.

 Stansted figures telling were still down 4.7% on the previous year and well below those recorded before the recession.Stansted’s figures reflect the continuing struggle surrounding the travel industry and with the prospect of cuts in public spending post election it will be a very long time until figures achieved in 2007 are seen again.