The line contracted Maleth to fly from Gatwick and Manchester to Barbados and Antigua last winter, but the programme was marred after passengers suffered significant delays and there were complaints about the lack of premium seating and in-flight entertainment.

The charter carrier has subsequently failed to compensate P&O Cruises or its passengers who made claims under EU261 delay compensation rules.

A spokesperson for the cruise brand said: “P&O Cruises no longer has a commercial relationship with MalethAero and will not be using the airline in the future. 

“We have paid all monies due to Maleth but we are looking at legal action to recover monies owed to us by Maleth.” TTG has asked P&O Cruises to clarify details of its claim against Maleth.

P&O Cruises added Maleth “must pay the compensation” to delayed passengers.

"We are very disappointed that despite being legally responsible to do so, Maleth Aero has not paid some guests compensation under Regulation 261 for flight delays experienced by those guests when joining or departing from one of our holidays,” the spokesperson said.

“Guests who are still waiting for compensation should contact the Civil Aviation Authority, which may be able to offer advice.”
 
 

P&O Cruises has replaced Maleth with three other carriers this winter. Flights with Tui Airways and Norse Atlantic begin on 1 November, with some clients travelling on Virgin Atlantic from 8 November.

Prior to announcing new airline partners, Paul Ludlow, president of Carnival UK and P&O Cruises, apologised for "flight issues" during the winter season in a video message. 

Agents had flagged concerns about Maleth prior to Ludlow’s video post. 

TTG has contacted MalethAero for comment.