Gatwick drone disruption cost easyJet nearly $20m
British carrier says the disruption affected 82,000 customers and forced the cancellation of more than 400 of its flights just before Christmas
EasyJet lost £15m ($19m) in 36 hours of travel chaos sparked by drones at London’s Gatwick Airport in December. The British budget airline said on Tuesday that this should serve as a “wake-up call” to airports. EasyJet, largest operator at Britain’s second-biggest airport, said the disruption affected 82,000 customers and forced cancellation of more than 400 of its flights in the run-up to Christmas. That cut revenue by about £5m and helping customers cost the airline £10m. “We were disappointed that it took a long time to resolve,” CEO Johan Lundgren told reporters. “Airports have gotten this as a wake-up call, and will be better prepared going forward.” The group gave an otherwise upbeat trading update and said 2019 bookings were encouraging despite Brexit uncertainty, striking a more positive note than rival Ryanair, which issued a profit warning last week. EasyJet said it had increased its share ownership by non-UK nationals of the European Economic Area to 49%, up from November...
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