4,000 Irish people affected by XL Leisure collapse

Thousands of Irish people have had their holidays cancelled following the collapse of XL Leisure Ireland.

The tour operator closed because of financial difficulties due to rising fuel prices and the economic downturn.

The collapse leaves 1,000 Irish holidaymakers stranded abroad, and a further 3,000 who were set to travel with XL in the coming weeks without a holiday.

Two flights were due to leave Dublin today for the Greek Islands, but their departures are now cancelled.

Spokesman for the Commission for Aviation Regulation Cathal Guiomard says the commission attempting to secure aircraft to bring stranded holidaymakers home from tomorrow onwards.

He said: "For people due to travel today and come back to Ireland, unfortunately it won’t be possible to get an alternative aircraft to bring them home.

"Our advice to them is to seek to make their own arrangements home and their reasonable costs in doing so, can be claimed against a fund that’s available at the Commission which will be made available on our website.

"We will be trying to secure an aircraft today if possible to bring those people home over the coming week or so.

"However, there have been a number of airlines closing down recently and there is a distinct shortage of aircraft and it remains to be seen what will prove to be possible. As we have more information, we will be updating our website...that’s the best place for people to go to get the up-to-date position."