Scottish airline Flyglobespan has collapsed. Leaving thousands of holidaymakers stranded at various destinations across Europe, including Lanzarote. And leaving many more with their Christmas holiday travel plans in ruins.
The airlines failure is estimated to have left a total of 5000 holidaymaker stranded. With a further 27,000 now unable to take the breaks that they had booked with the company. Whilst 800 staff are now set to lose their jobs.
The Flyglobespan collapse follows hard on the heels on the failure of Eire’s biggest holiday company Budget Travel at the end of last month. Flyglobespan was part of Globespan Group PLC, along with Globespan, the tour operator.
And last night the administrators Price Waterhouse Coopers stated that all flights to and from the UK had been suspended. With customers of the failed airline having no prospect of them flying home today.
According to Bruce Cartwright, of PricewaterhouseCoopers, said: ‘We are acutely aware of the distress this situation will cause those travelers who are currently abroad, as well as the impact on those holiday makers who have booked travel for later this year or 2010. Over the coming days we will be focusing our efforts on ensuring Globespan customers have all the information they require to both return home or to determine the next steps in terms of whether or not they can secure refunds.’
The Civil Aviation Authority is ultimately responsible for repatriating stranded tourists. But rival airlines have also been quick to cash in on their demise with Ryanair launching a special £89 rescue fare and easy Jet also offering similar assistance.
Reports indicate that anyone booking their flights direct with the company via their website or call centre will not be entitled to any refund.
A helpline has been created for passengers and is open from 10.00 hrs today on 0044 0871 271 9000 from outside the UK and 0044 141 332 3233 from those making calls from within the UK.
