Aito director Noel Josephides said airlines frequently caused issues for operators: “We have had to deal with the many problems created on a daily basis by the aviation sector when it comes to last-minute cancellations, refunds and also – of huge consequence to those with limited mobility – damage to wheelchairs,” he said.

He added it was “imperative’ the CAA was able to exercise any new powers in connection with overseas airlines serving the UK, saying Aito members had been forced into being “a buffer” between airlines and their customers.

“Importantly, from a travel trade perspective, we hope that, in the review of the Package Travel Regulations currently under way, consideration will be given to the need for airlines to refund – promptly – all tour operators for any expenses incurred in sorting out airline schedule changes and any other airline problems which result in extra costs for operators.”

Aito supported the idea of a compulsory airline Alternative Dispute Resolution system and a levy on all outbound flights to create a fund to protect passengers in the event of a collapse, he said.

“It would be a simple and hugely efficacious step. This option has been talked about for several decades; the time to act is very much now,” he added.