British Airways says big freeze has cost it £50m

Published on Thursday 6 January 2011 18:03

British Airways has estimated the disruption caused by heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures last month will cost the airline £50 million.

The number of passengers travelling with BA fell more than 10 per cent last month as airports including Heathrow and Gatwick were forced to close.

The airline said the number of passengers carried in December fell to 2.1 million from 2.4 million last year, as its operating capacity was reduced by 12 per cent year-on-year.

The big freeze - the UK's coldest December since records began - is the latest in a series of events to hit BA's finances.

Flights grounded by the ash cloud emanating from Iceland's volcano cost the airline 108m while a series of cabin crew strikes over the summer set the firm back 142m.

The 50m big freeze bill will come as a blow to the airline, which made its first half-year profit for the first time in two years in the six months to 30 September.