How many people are affected by XL's collapse? About 85,000 travellers are stranded abroad - 50,000 customers of XL tour operators, 10,000 who flew with XL Airways and 25,000 who booked with other tour operators that shared flights with XL Airways. The Civil Aviation Authority estimates a further 200,000 made advance bookings through XL.

So how are the stranded travellers getting back home? All of XL's tour operators were licensed under the official Atol (Air Travel Organisers' Licensing) consumer protection scheme, so their hotel accommodation will be paid and they will be brought home under plans being drawn up by the CAA. Those booking through other tour operators who used XL Airways will also be covered.