A long-established British travel company has entered administration, leaving customers uncertain about their holiday plans. The Ickenham Travel Group, which had been operating for 55 years, ceased trading in November, as confirmed by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The End of an Era for a Family-Run Business
Founded in 1970 by Peter Reglar, the Ickenham Travel Group was a staple of the UK's travel industry. The firm also traded under several other brand names, including Abu Dhabi Holidays, Ras Al Khaimah Holidays, and Letsgo2. Its sudden collapse marks the end of a business that spanned over five decades.
The CAA announced the company's failure, noting it stopped trading on November 20, 2025. Passengers who were already abroad and due to return on that date were instructed to contact their airline directly, using the details on their existing ticket, to confirm if their flight home was still valid.
Immediate Advice for Affected Travellers
For customers with future bookings made through the group, the situation is complex. The CAA stated that whether a holiday package can go ahead depends on its specific terms and, critically, if it was protected under the ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licence) scheme.
In an official statement, the regulator warned: "If the airline confirms you have a valid ticket for travel, you may have the option to travel. However, other services may not have been paid to the local suppliers, and you will be required to re-arrange and pay for these services again."
This leaves affected holidaymakers with two primary paths forward:
- Use the Flight and Claim for Other Services: Passengers can choose to use their confirmed flight ticket. They would then need to book and pay for replacement services—such as hotels and airport transfers—themselves. They can later submit a claim to recover these costs, provided the replacements match the standard of the original booking. However, the CAA cautions that this route removes the comprehensive protection of the original package, making travellers personally responsible for risks like individual element cancellations.
- Claim a Full Refund: The alternative is to not travel at all and instead submit a claim for a full refund of the holiday cost.
Understanding Your ATOL Protection
Customers whose holidays were cancelled before Ickenham Travel Group entered administration are eligible to make a claim for reimbursement through the ATOL scheme. This safety net is designed to protect consumers when a travel firm fails.
The collapse underscores the vital importance of booking ATOL-protected packages. The regulator emphasised that for those opting to use just the flight portion, the financial risks associated with other parts of the trip fall squarely on the consumer, unlike in a protected package holiday.
Passengers are now urged to check their booking documentation immediately to confirm their ATOL status and contact the CAA for the next steps in the claims process.
