Dutch govt support for ailing airline industry

The Dutch government has announced it will set aside £14m in compensation for five airlines to help counter losses due to the US terrorist attacks.

The measure, among other changes to the national budget, compensates for the four days US air space was closed after the attacks.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, the largest of the five carriers, will benefit most from the state support, but no details were released on how much any airline will receive.

KLM has estimated its losses at £32m due to cancelled flights to North America and to accommodating stranded passengers.

Other airlines eligible for the aid were Martinair, Air Holland, Dutch Bird and Transavia.

In September, the European Commission decided to allow state support due to the exceptional circumstances after the attacks.