Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport increased its profits last year despite costs due to severe winter weather and Iceland's volcanic ash cloud. The net profit was 169 million euros compared with 132 million the year before.

The main reason was increased spending in the airport shops. Schiphol handled 45.2 million passengers last year, an increase of nearly four percent over 2009. The average spending per passenger also increased by nearly five percent to €15.84.

Icelandic ash clouds closed the airport down for six days in April and May and winter weather severely disrupted air travel in December. Total cost: 20 million euros.

This year Schiphol is expecting another increase in passenger volume of between four and seven percent.

(imm/ae)

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