EasyJet is leading a class action among European airlines seeking compensation for the closure of airspace during the volcanic ash cloud crisis.
According to weekend reports the low cost carrier, which estimated the disruption cost it £50 million to £75 million, believes it has a strong case.
It claimed its bid for compensation was strengthened by the recent relaxing of safety rules governing aircraft flying in ash airspace containing volcanic ash.
Under European denied boarding rules airlines are legally obliged to compensate customers for expenses incurred while the flights ban was imposed.
EasyJet rival Ryanair originally refused to pay any compensation but had to do a u-turn amid criticism from consumer groups and the industry over its stance.
Outgoing EasyJet chief executive Andy Harrison was quoted as saying: “We are already working on it with a group of other companies, including those outside the low-cost sector.
“That was a natural catastrophe and there is no reason why the consequences must be borne by the airlines alone, particularly when it became apparent afterwards that a closure of that size was unnecessary.”
Other airlines involved in the class action did not wish to be named.