Thousands of holidaymakers have seen their break cancelled after one of the UK’s biggest airlines plunged into administration.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced in the early hours of this morning, Monday, October 2, that Monarch Airlines had ceased trading and its 300,000 future bookings for flights and holidays have been cancelled.

The CAA has been asked by the Government to arrange for more than 30 aircraft to bring around 110,000 stranded holidaymakers back to the UK.

Monarch, which pulled out of flying from East Midlands Airport in 2015, is the UK's fifth biggest airline and the country's largest ever to go into administration.

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Customers who were due to fly from the UK with Monarch have been told not to go to the airport.
Passengers already at airports were unable to check in for pre-booked flights and sent away.

The airline had until midnight on Sunday, October 1, to reach a deal with the CAA on renewing its licence to sell package holidays. This did not happened, which has led to its collapse.

On its website, the firm made the following statement: "Monarch has confirmed that the following companies have ceased trading and now entered administration:

  • Monarch Airlines Ltd
  • Monarch Holidays Ltd (ATOL Number 2275)
  • First Aviation Ltd (ATOL Number 4888) previously trading as Monarch Airlines
  • Avro Ltd (ATOL Number 1939)
  • Somewhere2stay Ltd

"As a result, we are sorry to inform you that, as of 2 October 2017, all future holidays and flights provided by these companies have been cancelled and are no longer operating.

"This is an unprecedented situation and because there are up to 110,000 passengers abroad, the UK Government has asked the CAA to coordinate flights back to the UK for all Monarch customers currently overseas. These new flights will be at no extra cost to you."

Monarch, whose headquarters are at London Luton Airport, was founded in 1968. It also operated from four other UK bases - London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds Bradford - to more than 40 destinations around Europe and further afield.
Customers have been advised to visit monarch.caa.co.uk for more information or call the helpline on 0300 303 2800.

Have you been hit by the collapse of Monarch? If your holiday has been cancelled, or you are stuck abroad, get in touch.