LOW COST AIRLINE DECLARES BANKRUPTCY

Low-cost Spanish airline Air Comet suspended all of its flights on 22 December 2009 following a court ruling that impounded its fleet and barred the company from selling any tickets. The airline, which operated scheduled flights from Spain to Mexico, Cuba and destinations in South America, declared bankruptcy as the result of continuing financial difficulties. Thousands of ticketed passengers were stranded due to the bankruptcy. In Madrid, angry passengers blocked access to Terminal 1 at Barajas Airport (LEMD/MAD) on 21 December to protest the airline's closure. The Spanish government is working to set up alternative travel arrangements for stranded passengers.