After reading and watching all of this mess today, I really feel for the poor people that have lost out on trips that have been saved hard for, not to mention the customers and staff stranded abroad. It is astounding that a company/bank can be allowed to pull the plug in such a quick fashion.

Jamie, Broxbourne, UK

Hey Jimmy in Essex, if they didn't take peoples money for bookings, then it's definite that they would go bust due to a lack of business!
By the way most businesses run on debt, thats what makes the modern world go around.

Mal, Edmonton, Canada

i flew with XL last month and have done for other trips. Can't believe they've gone.

James, London, UK

The credit crunch and inflation through oil prices is really hitting airlines hard. This on won't be the last airline to go bust in the next few years. Only the big ones (or ones which have a saved up a big cash reserve over the last few years) will survive and they will cut back drastically.

Libby, Tullamore, Ireland

Is it not strange both XL Germany and XL France are both continuing to trade as normal and have the full support of there respective banks. Why has the UK arm of this Company therefore failed is it the UK Management or simple UK Banks pulling the plug because they are in such a financial mess.

Dave, Mold, UK

Airlines must stop surcharging for paying by credit card. If you book direct with an airline which goes bust, you're not covered if you pay by debit card - if you pay by credit card you are protected under the Consumer Credit Act, but the airlines unfairly discourage people from using credit cards.

Helen, Fleet, UK

Where are all the labour mp's that were trumpeting their green taxes and how the airlines should play their part in saving the world?
They must take part of the blame for increasing taxes during this economic downturn.

Tom Mein, Chorafakia, Crete

How cheeky to blame high fuel prices! That cost is passed straight onto passengers who are forced to pay a fuel surcharge on top of the ticket price.

The true failure is the XL business model did not generate enough income to service their debt. The directors cannot blame anyone but themselves.

MK, London,

Remarks re: customer service and some of their facilities are spot on. I had no choice but to use them on a number of occasions. Their rip off charging structure, their leg room, their push for extras, the trite attitude of their staff at all levels. Good Riddance!!!!!

RichardChurch, BurgessHill, UK

My daughter XL employee is stranded in Cyprus where she has been based since May. There are 25 or more stranded and after making enquires flights home will be between 600 and 900 pounds. Who will help them. No only have the lost their job they will now be in bebt trying to get home.

Doreen Harding, Liverpool, merseyside

Theres no point blaming anyone else than XL themselves for this mess. I flew with them once and after that experience never wanted to fly with them again. They treated their passengers like cattle and the cabin crew were the rudest I have encountered. In bad times the good companies will survive.

Andy, Lampeter,

I can't say I feel much sympathy for Mr Wyatt. It seems far too easy for company directors to continue to trade (and fill their pockets) up to the very last minute, then call in the administrators and walk away leaving customers and staff in the lurch.

Chris K, Cheltenham, UK

I wish someone would force me to stay on holiday!!!

Alistair, Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

In my opinion XL failed because they were a badly run Company who had no conception whatsoever of customer service. They treated their customers appallingly. The pre-flight treatment by them in connection with Grenada flights earlier this year was disgraceful. Mr W devasted - I doubt it!

Susan E Hedley, Leeds, UK

I think you meant to say well done Mr Bush. The high cost of fuel, like most other things that have gone wrong in the world over the last 6 - 7 years, are largely his fault.

Alex, London, UK

Barclays have a lot of questions to answer.

The debt was small in terms of XL's turnover. Waiting longer on £10 million would have been no problem at all for such a big bank like Barclays.

Could Barclays really not wait a bit longer for their £10 million?

Richard , Plymouth, UK

I was just about to book a holiday within the next week or so. Now, with the 3rd largest UK Tour Operator going bust in such a spectacular fashion, I am left feeling very nervous indeed about proceeding with any booking.

Terry Kendall, Manchester,

Surely they knew they were in trouble before 2am this morning? Were they just relying on a couple of employees ringing round sovereign wealth funds all night trying to refinance. Perhaps a warning to their customers might have been nice?

Ol, London,

Not just Mr Brown. Add Bush, Benanke, Cheney and all those other manipulaters from treasuries around the world who are colluding with rascals from the futures, oil, gold and currency markets!

N Parag, Melbourne, Australia

Who said that? I'll ask the questions!

james, London, UK

A Bank pulls the plug to protect its Profits / Shareholders / Business and thousands suffer.

Is this right? All i know is in the USA i believe they have an interim state where a business applies for "chapter 11" insolvency and continues to trade.

About time it happened here!!!!!!

pete, Ryde, IW, UK

I think tht XL airlines is a disgrace, if they knew tht they were going into a alot of dept then why were they still taking peoples money!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jimmy, Essex,

How is Brown to blame for the high cost of jet fuel?

Jamie, London, UK

Well done Mr Brown, another one to tick off your list.

James, London, UK