XL Airways to Cease Operations

XL Airways, the French-based low-cost airline, announced last week that it will cease ticket sales and flights operations, citing financial issues. 

“Due to its financial difficulties, we are deeply sorry to have to announce that XL Airways is stopping selling tickets effective today,” according to the announcement made on the company’s website last week. “Some of our flights may have to be cancelled, and therefore [we] kindly ask our customers to verify their flight’s status by visiting our website.”

XL Airways is chiefly known for connecting a small number of leisure destinations from France, including New York; San Francisco; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Varadero, Cuba; and Cancun, Mexico.

According to Reuters, XL Airways has called on Air France to discuss a rescue deal designed to avert the collapse of the budget carrier. XL Airways said it needs 35 million euros (US$38.6 million), in a statement on Sunday. Airline representatives will be meeting with Air France and the French authorities, in hopes that the struggling company could potentially be a low-cost operator for some of the larger carrier’s routes.

It’s not clear whether Air France would be willing to take that deal into consideration, but if no deal can be reached, it could spell the end for the low-cost carrier.

“We apologize, in advance, for any inconvenience that this situation may have caused our valuable customers.” said XL Airways in its statement. “Our teams are fully committed on working fully towards delivering our customers with our service.”