Mexicana Airlines suspends all flights

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Mexicana Airlines suspended all operations Friday, ending a rapid financial unraveling for Mexico’s oldest air carrier. The suspension affects not only the flagship airline but also domestic affiliates MexicanaClick and MexicanaLink. All flights were canceled as of midday Saturday.

‘Financial deterioration and lack of agreements force Grupo Mexicana to stop flying,’ said a statement posted on the company’s website. ‘Grupo Mexicana deeply regrets any inconvenience caused to passengers.’

Mexicana employed 8,000 workers and flew approximately 11 million passengers a year. A group of investors had acquired the bankrupt company on Aug. 20 and said it was still seeking options for a restructuring, reported The Times and the financial daily El Financiero.

Meanwhile, competitor AeroMexico announced it was expanding flights and routes between key hubs and tourist destinations in Mexico, reported El Financiero.

— Daniel Hernandez in Mexico City