The agent – who did not wish to be named – contacted Kelly Tolhurst in early April via their MP, requesting an amendment to the Package Travel Regulations to extend the refunds time frame as per Abta’s calls.

But the agent branded the reply from Tolhurst, received on 31 May, as “useless”.

“The government recognises the impact that Covid-19 is having on businesses, and on the aviation sector in particular,” the letter read.

“I would like to express my gratitude both to businesses and to their employees for all their work in keeping vital services operating in these challenging times.

“I recognise the concerns your constituent has raised regarding the Package Travel Regulations.

“The government is engaging with the package travel sector and others to assess the impact that Covid-19 is having on businesses.

“I would like to reassure your constituent that my team is working closely with officials from the Civil Aviation Authority, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and with Abta to address the issues your constituent has raised.

“May I conclude by thanking your constituent for raising these important matters with me.”

The agent said: “I really don’t think they understand the daily struggles we have all been going through in the trying for a refund process, the mental strain this puts on agents and operators."