Mexicana Ceases Operations Indefinitely

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

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Troubled airline Mexicana ceased operations this weekend, less than a month after filing for bankruptcy protection. The ensuing weeks have been marked by suspended flights and customer confusion, along with some shady business practices as the company tried to save itself. But despite getting $50 million in cash just last week, the airline says it no longer has enough money to fly, and ceased operations this weekend.

Here’s what passengers need to know:

All passengers booked on Mexicana need to call the airline immediately.
The airline has set up refund pages for both the U.S. and Canada and Mexico and elsewhere.
Aeromexico is offering discounted fares on routes formerly served by Mexicana (that are also served by Aeromexico). American is also upping capacity to Mexico City.

Mexicana is Mexico’s largest airline, but eventually became overburdened by debt and other financial commitments. The airline also says it took a huge hit during 2009’s swine flu outbreak.

The airline says it hopes to resume flying, but at this point it’s difficult to see the airline emerging without some serious restructuring. I’ll be following Mexicana’s progress going forward, if “progess” is even the right word, so check back at Today in Travel for updates.

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