Passengers stranded at airports

The closure of budget carrier Zoom Airlines has left thousands of passengers stranded at hubs such as Gatwick Airport and Cardiff Airport, it has been reported.

Many passengers are now stuck on either side of the after the airline ceased all operations last night due to financial pressures brought on by the rising cost of fuel and the current economic climate.

Those who booked through a holiday company may be able to make a claim their money back under the Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) scheme and are being told to check the CAA ATOL website.

Hugh and John Boyle, founders of Zoom Airlines, said: "We deeply regret the fact that we have been forced to suspend all Zoom operations. It is a tragic day for our passengers and more than 600 staff.

"We are desperately sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment that this will cause passengers and those who have booked flights."

Zoom's failure comes in the wake of closures by Asian low fares long haul airline Oasis Hong Kong and transatlantic business class carriers Silverjet, MAXjet and Eos.