NORTHERN IRELAND:SOME 600 travellers from Northern Ireland were abroad yesterday awaiting details from the UK's Civil Aviation Authority about their return home following the collapse of the XL group.
They are among the estimated 85,000 XL customers currently scattered across up to 50 destinations. A further 200,000 bookings had been made by customers from Northern Ireland and Britain. These intending travellers will now have to make other arrangements or not fly at all.
No XL flights were scheduled from Belfast yesterday and no passengers were stranded there. An airport spokeswoman said: "We are disappointed that XL leisure group has gone into administration. They flew three times a week during the summer season from our airport - to Corfu on a Monday, Crete on a Tuesday and Rhodes on a Wednesday.
"Passengers booked on flights for next week should consult the XL website at www.xl.com or the Belfast International Airport site at www.belfastairport.com. They should also contact their travel agent, who can best advise them on seeking compensation through Atol [Air Travel Organisers' Licensing scheme]. They should not travel to the airport for flights next week.
"We estimate that there are likely to be fewer than 600 Northern Ireland XL passengers currently abroad and their repatriation should be handled by the CAA. Their helpline number is +44(0)28 91856547."