A prominent UK travel company with more than half a century of operation has suddenly collapsed into liquidation, prompting urgent advice from the industry regulator. The Ickenham Travel Group, founded in 1970, ceased trading as an ATOL holder on November 20, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced.
Details of the Collapse and Affected Brands
The London-based firm, which started as a single shop on Ickenham High Street in Greater London, traded under several well-known names. According to the CAA's ATOL failures page, these included Abu Dhabi Holidays, Ras Al Khaimah Holidays, and Letsgo2. It also operated via a suite of websites, such as ickenhamtravel.co.uk, letsgo2.com, and abudhabiholidays.co.uk.
The company, led by chief executive Peter Reglar, expanded over the decades to have branches in Hillingdon, Northwood, Harrow, and Rickmansworth. Its sudden closure marks the end of a 55-year journey in the travel industry.
Immediate Guidance for Affected Travellers
The Civil Aviation Authority has issued specific instructions for customers caught up in the collapse. For those currently overseas holding a scheduled flight e-ticket from an ATOL-protected booking, the return flight should remain valid. Passengers are advised to check in with the airline as normal using their existing ticket details.
The regulator confirmed it is in talks with overseas service providers to try and ensure other booked services, like accommodation, continue as planned. However, it issued a crucial warning: 'If you are made to pay again for services that were part of your original trip, ensure you retain a clear receipt showing the method of payment.' It stressed that claims cannot be made without a receipt, especially for cash payments.
Options for Customers with Valid Flight Tickets
If an airline confirms your flight ticket is still valid, the CAA outlines two potential paths. The first is to simply claim for a refund for your entire ATOL-protected package.
The second option allows you to use your original flights but book replacement arrangements for other parts of your trip, such as hotels or transfers. In this case, you can submit a claim to recover the costs of those replacement elements.
The CAA also notes that customers whose ATOL bookings were cancelled before the company ceased trading and who are awaiting refunds can submit a claim. Importantly, the authority warns that 'accommodation only' or non-flight packages are not covered by the ATOL scheme. Consumers with such bookings should contact the company's administrators once they are appointed.
Looking Ahead for the Travel Sector
The liquidation of a long-established firm like Ickenham Travel Group serves as a stark reminder of the volatility within the travel industry. It underscores the critical importance of the ATOL protection scheme for UK holidaymakers booking package trips. Customers are urged to always verify a company's ATOL status before booking and to understand what protections are in place for their money.
