An Isle of Man-based airline which operates flights to Liverpool and Manchester has gone out of business.
The company blamed "rising fuel prices" among a number of factors which had drastically affected passenger numbers within the past six months.
EuroManx operated cheap flights from the island to Liverpool, Belfast, Manchester and London City.
A
ll services were cancelled with immediate affect on Friday as passengers learned the news when they arrived for their scheduled flights.
Rival airline Flybe has stepped in to offer free replacement tickets for passengers who have EuroManx bookings for Manchester and Liverpool flights.
In a statement on the EuroManx website, the company, which employed about 70 people, said: "It is with great regret that EuroManx have announced that the company is ceasing operations forthwith with no further flights being operated.
"All passengers with tickets for EuroManx services can be assured that alternative arrangements are being sourced.
"Accordingly Flybe will carry all ticketed EuroManx passengers to Liverpool, Manchester and also initially to either London Luton or London Gatwick on services where Flybe have space available to accommodate the passenger. EuroManx passengers to Belfast will be advised in due course.
"For the past five years EuroManx has focused on providing a locally based operation offering high quality schedules and services dedicated to the Isle of Man.
"During this time the employees have worked hard to develop and grow the business but over the last six months months a number of factors including rising fuel prices and reduced passenger numbers have proved to be insurmountable obstacles to the airline being able to continue to operate."
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