THE collapse of travel firm XL could be good news for two women facing a hefty bill for causing a 'drunken' mid-air drama.

Leanne Connor, 26, and Lynette York, 27, forced an XL jet to make an emergency landing in Frankfurt after it was alleged they were abusive to staff and tried to open a cabin door at 30,000ft.

The girls, from Lower Kersal, Salford, were arrested, stayed overnight in Germany and paid more than £1,000 for flights.

After they returned home, they faced an anxious wait after XL pledged to recoup the cost of the diversion, reported to be £16,000.

But the firm - Britain's third largest tour operator - collapsed last week. As a result, more than 80,000 holidaymakers were stranded with many more who had booked holidays left devastated.

But XL's demise could hit any proceedings against Leanne and Lynette. Its administrators, Kroll, said it was too early to say what impact the firm's collapse would have on attempts to recover costs but further efforts are believed to be 'unlikely' with nobody at XL following up the case.

German police passed their findings to Greater Manchester officers, who received a complaint about the girls' behaviour. But it is thought XL's collapse will not help GMP inquiries.

Mum-of-two Leanne is continuing to protest her innocence. She said: "Hopefully, it's good news. We heard from the police at Manchester Airport who took statements.

"They said that it was 'disruptive behaviour' - there was no mention of air rage or assault. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."