Croatia Airlines loss to be EUR 2.5 mln due to volcanic ash cloud

Croatia Airlines has estimated direct damage caused by the air traffic disruption in Europe, due to the spread of a volcanic ash cloud from Iceland, at EUR 2.5 million, the Croatian national flag carrier reported on Tuesday.

The estimate is based on the number of 24,000 passengers Croatia Airlines should have transported on international and domestic flights, but was prevented by the volcanic ash cloud from last Thursday to Monday (16-19 April).

The spokesman for Croatia Airlines, Davor Janusic, said the partial reopening of airspace in Europe was under way.

Croatia re-opened its airports on Monday.

The Slovenian Adria Airways has stated that it is suffering a loss between EUR 1.3-1.4 million due to the air traffic chaos in Europe.

Airports in Europe slowly started to return to life on Tuesday after shutdowns over the last five days, but some airspace remained closed after reports that a new plume from Iceland may be on its way.

About half of scheduled air traffic in Europe is expected to operate on Tuesday, an increase on previous days, European aviation control agency Eurocontrol said on Tuesday.


(Hina)