



Around 50,000 British holidaymakers are stranded overseas after the collapse of one of the UK's biggest tour operators.



XL Leisure Group has grounded its fleet of planes after failing to secure a multi-million pound rescue package.



An operation is now under way to get customers home from places like Florida and the Caribbean.



XL Airways provided flights to more than 50 destinations across Europe, Africa and the US.



Passengers yet to travel should make alternative arrangements, while those already on holiday will be brought home on flights arranged by the Civil Aviation Authority.



Customers who booked through four tour operators - The Really Great Holiday Company, Kosmar Holidays, Freedom Flights, and Aspire Holidays - are protected under the Air Travel Organiser's Licenses (Atol) scheme.



But those who booked direct with an XL Group company are urged to contact Atol immediately.



A company statement said: 'The companies entered into administration having suffered as a result of volatile fuel prices, the economic downturn, and were unable to obtain further funding.



'The joint administrators cannot continue trading the business and therefore all flights operated by the companies have been immediately cancelled and the aircraft grounded.



'Going forward, the joint administrators are unlikely to be able to trade the business or operate the aircraft.'



XL's demise is the latest blow to the British travel industry and follows the collapse of budget airline Zoom last month.



Thousands of transatlantic passengers were left stranded after flights to and from Canada and the US were grounded as it called in the administrators.



Zoom blamed its financial woes on a jump in fuel bills as a result of the high cost of oil.