Ash cloud costs Newcastle Airport £1m

30/04/2010

By Jeremy Price.

The disruption caused by the Icelandic volcanic eruption will cost Newcastle Airport around £1 million, it has been reported.

According to airport chief executive Dave Laws, the problems caused by the volcano's ash cloud are the worst he has witnessed in 32 years in the business.

Speaking to the Journal newspaper, Mr Laws praised his staff for coping during the "complete standstill".

"It has been publicised that [the disruption] was costing us £100,000 a day, but I believe that by the time all the flights were back up and running, it cost us the thick end of £1 million," the chief executive told the publication.

He added that 780 flights were cancelled due to the volcano, disrupting the plans of over 75,000 passengers.

In related news, BAA revealed yesterday (April 29th) that the closure of Heathrow and Stansted airports during the ash cloud crisis cost the company in excess of £28 million.

The company reported a pre-tax loss of £195.5 million for the first quarter of 2010.

This article was brought to you by Park and Go providers of Newcastle Airport Parking