XL Airways suspends its flights to Cuba

XL Airways, a French low-cost airline that operates to a variety of leisure destinations, including Cuba, has announced that it will immediately and completely suspend flights to the island and its other regular destinations. 

The digital news portal CiberCuba has echoed the news, which was initially reported through an official statement. 

According to the official statement cited by the digital media, the decision was announced as a result of "financial difficulties," which would result in the airline's services being suspended starting September 19. Round-trip ticket sales, as well as planned operations, were affected. Consequently, the airline requested its customers check the status of their trips. 

XL Airways was known for operating flights to high-demand tourist destinations such as New York, San Francisco, Punta Cana, Varadero and Cancun, using a low-cost model. 

This airline's low-cost model consisted of charging minimal fees for tickets, plus additional fees for seat selection, meals, baggage, and other services. 

However, with a fleet of less than half a dozen A330s, the profits ended up being insufficient for the airline. 

Added to all this is the fact that, in the final months of 2019, competition among airlines has increased; and more established companies, such as Air France and Lufthansa, began operating their own "low-cost" flights, putting XL Airways at a disadvantage. 

Added to the competition with more established service companies was the rising oil price, which brought down several smaller companies, which were forced to declare bankruptcy. 

The sudden collapse of XL Airways has left many passengers stranded at their destinations. 

According to official reports on this matter, this low-cost airline even attempted to negotiate with Air France representatives about the possibility of obtaining financial assistance. Despite XL Airways' efforts, there has been no evidence that this could materialize. Air France is taking at least two days to assess XL Airways' viability.

XL Airways, for its part, was a profitable company until two years ago, but has seen its accounts gradually decline.

"We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this situation may have caused our valued customers," XL Airways said in its official statement. "Our teams are fully committed to working hard to provide our customers with the best service."

The last flight of the bankrupt French airline is scheduled to take place this very day.unes, on September 23, 2019. 

This same luneThe airline was declared bankrupt and placed under judicial control, awaiting an offer that would allow it to avoid the suspension of its air activity, but with little real chance of avoiding it.

XL Airways, which operates only four leased Airbus A330 aircraft, is based at Roissy-Charles de Gaulle Airport in the French capital, Paris. This is one of the airports with the greatest development potential in the world, which is another factor to consider when considering a bailout of the company.