Ash crisis ‘essentially broke our recovery’

European airport operators say disruptions from Iceland's volcanic eruption has cost them nearly euro300 million ($371 million) in losses and 17 million passengers.

The Airport Council International Europe says the volcanic ash crisis "essentially broke our recovery," after logging growth of 5.2 percent in passenger traffic in the first quarter of 2010.

The council said in a release Thursday that while bookings for the summer are promising, the threat of another eruption remains.

European airport operators are forecasting growth of 3 percent as the sovereign debt crisis and weak growth dampen demand.

ACI is holding its annual meeting in Milan.