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12/09/2008
Belfast Flights Grounded With Collapse Of XL Airline
A dark shadow has been cast over a number of outbound flights from Belfast and Dublin, with the announcement that tour operator XL has collapsed.
News broke this morning that the firm had gone into administration, and flights across the world have been grounded with immediate effect.
Thousands of travellers, who booked their flights through the operator, have been left stranded at destinations as far flung as the Mediterranean and North America.
Three XL flights were due to depart from Belfast International to Greece next week.
The airline also offered flights from Dublin to Spain and Greece. Four of these flights, due for departure today, have been grounded.
According to the air authority around 85,000 UK nationals could be stranded abroad, with a further 200,000 advanced booking already lodged with the doomed airline.
The Civil Aviation Authority's David Clover said the organisation would be making arrangements to help customers of the four tour companies within the XL group and was working "very closely with the travel industry to organise repatriation flights".
"Clearly though, with XL Airways no longer operating, we're having to bring in substitute aircraft to bring people home," he added.
Turbulent international economic conditions have been cited as the main reason for the collapse, with escalating fuel pricing also a contributing factor.
A statement on the XL group's website said: "The companies entered into administration having suffered as a result of volatile fuel prices, the economic downturn, and were unable to obtain further funding."
XL COMPANIES
Customers abroad: +44 (0) 2891 856547
Customers in the UK with advance bookings: 0870 5900927
(PR/JM)
News broke this morning that the firm had gone into administration, and flights across the world have been grounded with immediate effect.
Thousands of travellers, who booked their flights through the operator, have been left stranded at destinations as far flung as the Mediterranean and North America.
Three XL flights were due to depart from Belfast International to Greece next week.
The airline also offered flights from Dublin to Spain and Greece. Four of these flights, due for departure today, have been grounded.
According to the air authority around 85,000 UK nationals could be stranded abroad, with a further 200,000 advanced booking already lodged with the doomed airline.
The Civil Aviation Authority's David Clover said the organisation would be making arrangements to help customers of the four tour companies within the XL group and was working "very closely with the travel industry to organise repatriation flights".
"Clearly though, with XL Airways no longer operating, we're having to bring in substitute aircraft to bring people home," he added.
Turbulent international economic conditions have been cited as the main reason for the collapse, with escalating fuel pricing also a contributing factor.
A statement on the XL group's website said: "The companies entered into administration having suffered as a result of volatile fuel prices, the economic downturn, and were unable to obtain further funding."
XL COMPANIES
- XL Leisure Group
- XL Airways UK
- Excel Aviation
- Explorer House
- Aspire Holiday
- Freedom Flights
- Freedom Flights (Aviation)
- The Really Great Holiday Company
- Medlife Hotels
- Travel City Flights
- Kosmar Villa Holidays
Customers abroad: +44 (0) 2891 856547
Customers in the UK with advance bookings: 0870 5900927
(PR/JM)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
