Mexicana Airlines Bankrupt, Cancels Two Routes to C.R.

Two routes between Costa Rica and Mexico have been canceled after the airline Mexicana filed for bankruptcy last week.

Mexicana, Mexico s largest and oldest airline, blamed the bankruptcy on the high costs of labor.

The two routes that have been canceled are flight 275/274 between San José and Mexico City and flight 379/378 between San José and Cancun. The routes were canceled Monday.

Mexicana flights also were canceled to several cities in South America, the United States and Europe.

Various events during the last week have significantly deteriorated the revenue stream that supports the operation, said a statement released by Mexicana. The financial situation was referred to as grave.

The statement continued:

It is hoped an agreement will be reached with union leaders and that additional resources can be obtained to secure the financial viability of the carrier.

Mexicana has set up call centers for residents of the United States and Costa Rica who have booked flights:

In the United States: 1-888-882-9994.

In Costa Rica: 2295-6969 (ext. 2).

Those calling should have their reservation numbers available.

Flights suspended include flights from Mexico to Madrid, London, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Caracas, Bogota, Montreal and Vancouver.

Mexico s largest carrier had 11.1 million passengers in 2009. The airline company was founded in the 1920s.

Matt Levin