17 October 2010
The operator of East Midlands Airport has revealed the volcanic ash disruption earlier this year cost the airport around £600,000. The eruption of the Icelandic volcano, Eyjafjallajoekull, in May 2010 caused UK airspace to be shut for six days. East Midlands Airport Financial Director, Barry Thompson, said the costs had been substantial, though less than initial estimates of more than £1 million. Around 63,000 passengers were affected by cancellations and delays with the airport losing £100,000 on average each day during the period.