Gordon Werner

Monday December 17, 12:50 pm Eastern Time

KLM to get 26.9 mln euros from Dutch state

AMSTERDAM, Dec 17 (Reuters) - Dutch Transport Minister Tineke Netelenbos on Monday authorised the state to pay airline KLM 26.9 million euros ($24.37 million) for losses suffered after U.S. airspace was closed in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

Under the package announced on Monday, KLM would get the lion's share of the government package, while smaller airlines Transavia would receive 380,000 euros, Martinair 1.124 million euros, Denim Air 22,100 euros, and Quick Airways 617 euros, the ministry said in a statement.

The package is subject to approval from the European Commission.

Last month KLM estimated losses directly caused by the four-day closure of U.S. airspace amounted to about 52 million euros.

KLM sought less government assistance than other European airlines, including Lufthansa, which asked the German government for 70 million euros.

The government had previously said it planned to set aside about 22.7 million euros to help Dutch airlines after the sharp downturn in air travel after the attacks.

KLM shares ended 2.04 percent firmer at 13.48 euros, in line with a 2.82 percent rise in the Dutch AEX index.