The Turkey specialist and long-standing Aito member went into administration on Friday July 1, with around 150 people abroad at the time of its collapse, with some 460 forward bookings covering around 1,020 people, the CAA confirmed.

The Solihull-based tour operator also traded under the name World Sky Holidays but has faced problems in recent years following safety concerns and a number of terrorist attacks.

This week alone Istanbul’s Ataturk airport was attacked by three gunmen who killed 44 people and injured more than 240.

The CAA said it was now making arrangements to support the company’s customers and has published advice for those affected.

Andy Cohen, head of Atol, said: “The collapse of World Sky Travel is a timely reminder of why holidaymakers should make sure their holiday is Atol-protected and that they receive an Atol certificate, as soon as they’ve booked their trips. 


“As a result of the Atol scheme, customers of this company have the peace of mind they will be able to complete their holidays and return home as planned if already abroad, or get a full refund if yet to travel.“  

The CAA said anyone booked with the company currently abroad should have scheduled airline tickets, which will remain valid and can be used to return home as planned.

The authority said it was also in contact with accommodation and airport transfer providers to make sure there were no changes to the arrangements booked through the company.

Customers who have paid in full for packages booked with the company (or through its agents) and have scheduled airline tickets have two options – either to travel as planned or seek a refund. This would need to be through their card provider if purchased with a credit card, or through Atol if another payment method was used.

However, the CAA said customers had been advised that they would need to rearrange and pay for accommodation and transfers to and from the airport in resort booked through the company.

Further advice, along with a claim form will be posted on the CAA’s website in due course.