We are just running a story that the XL planes were flown home empty, leaving the holiday makers stranded. then other planes were chartered, flown out empty, to pick them up!!

No insurance coverage for the XL planes, maybe??

And presumably no cabin crew or meals, but the idea is still a bit uncomfortable....

You'd think there was a better way to avoid empty planes in either direction. but then I'm not a bean counter.

I have contacted OPEC about this, telling them what great PR it would be for them to underwrite a "return home" facility. I'm still waiting to hear back