Seven travel firms have gone bust so far in 2026, leaving holidaymakers with cancelled trips to destinations including the US, France, Italy, Bali, Thailand and Dubai. The companies have lost their ATOL certification and collapsed into administration, with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) declaring ATOL failures.
Why travel firms are collapsing
This year has been tough for the travel industry, from the conflict in the Middle East to the jet fuel crisis earlier this year. Not all travel businesses have made it through this difficult time.
The CAA will declare an ATOL failure when a business can no longer pay bills, doesn't have the ability to refund customers, and can't bring holidaymakers home.
What to do if your travel firm goes bust
If a travel firm with ATOL protection goes bust, travellers should know their rights. The action they need to take will depend on whether they are currently on holiday and the type of travel they booked.
The CAA will contact suppliers of failed ATOL holders to make arrangements for holidaymakers to complete their stay and return as planned if possible. Its website advises: “If a supplier insists on payment from consumers, an ATOL claim can be made for these expenses.”
For customers left stranded abroad, the CAA may arrange replacement flights to bring them home. It advises: “If there is no disruption to flights, consumers will be able to continue their trip and check in for their flight as originally planned.
“If return flights do not operate as planned, the CAA may arrange replacement flights. If we do, we will provide information on our website and social media sites regarding new flights, including flight times and destination airports.”
The CAA also advises: “Non-air holiday packages are not protected by the ATOL scheme, but may be covered by other bonding schemes like those operated by ABTA and AiTO.”
Full list of travel firms that have gone bust
In January, Hertfordshire-based Regen Central Ltd collapsed, cancelling trips to Italy, Bali, Thailand, and Dubai. Glasgow firm Simply Florida Travel Ltd, which offered packages to Walt Disney World and other USA and Canada destinations, also failed.
Other ATOL failures included Travel Bespoke Ltd, which collapsed over the summer, closing its brands such as Chalet Bespoke, Ski Bespoke, and Spa Bespoke. Trav Expert Limited also collapsed, a London-based firm trading under names including Best4trips, Travel Crew, and Air Waay.
Here is the full list of seven travel firms that have gone bust:
- TS Travel Realisations Ltd - August 6
- Yourtravelshop.com Ltd - August 4
- Travel Bespoke Ltd - May 29
- Trav Expert Limited - May 21
- Asiara UK Ltd - January 21
- Simply Florida Travel Ltd - January 20
- Regen Central Ltd - January 13
Customers booking a package holiday or trip that includes a flight should check the company has an active ATOL number to ensure they have protection.
