News

A travel firm which operated budget flights out of Manston airport in Kent has collapsed.

Some 2500 holidaymakers abroad and about 18,000 who have made advance bookings have been affected after budget package holiday firm Seguro Holidays, which has its main base at Prestwick Airport in Scotland, announced yesterday that it had stopped trading.

It has carried about 5000 passengers from Kent International Airport, at Manston since 2006.

The firm's website was taken offline and was replaced by a statement: "Seguro Travel Limited and its subsidiary Seguro Aviation Limited which trade under the style Seguro Holidays and Kent Escapes ceased trading on September 10, 2008.

"Customers who have booked to travel by air from September 10 onwards should refer to the Civil Aviation Authority website (www.atol.org.uk) where further advice is given.

"The directors of the company deeply regret the closure of the business."

A CAA spokesman said administrators had not yet been appointed to take charge of Seguro's affairs. A statement from the CAA said it had been called in to protect customers booked with the company.

The statement went on: "The CAA, under its ATOL (Air Travel Organiser's Licensing) scheme, is making arrangements for customers abroad to complete their holidays and return to the UK and to refund fully those with forward bookings."

It said all holidays with the firm had been cancelled.