Thousands of upcoming holiday plans have been disrupted by the unexpected collapse of UK’s Monarch Airlines, which entered administration this week.
The budget airline ceased trading on 2 October after sustaining repeated losses caused by “mounting cost pressures and increasingly competitive market conditions”, Sky News reported.
Some 1,858 staff members have been left out of a job, while according to reports, over 860,000 travellers have been affected by the sudden collapse.
https://twitter.com/zsk/status/915226551523921920
In an online statement, the airline said that due to the high number of guests currently on vacation (roughly, 110,000), the British government has asked the Civil Aviation Authority to coordinate flights back for these guests.
This means that at least 110,000 people will have new flights arranged for them at the end of their holiday at no extra cost.
However, that then leaves some 750,000 travellers who’s flights have been cancelled with little-to-no notice.
“We are sorry to inform you that all future holidays and flights booked with Monarch are now cancelled as of 2 October 2017.”
Monarch Airlines
“If you are booked on a Monarch Airlines flight, please do not go to your UK airport, as your flight will not be operating.”
Affected guests have been told to claim a refund through their credit and debit card provider, however, it’s believed that some of these passengers may also have recently been burned by Ryanair’s mass cancellations.
Unimpressed travellers have taken to Twitter to express their frustration:
Somewhat annoyed that the Govt knew about #monarchairlines likely collapse weeks ago. Which cabinet minister do I contact for my refund?
— Kate Harrison (@kateharrison52) October 3, 2017
Looks like my trip to Spain Friday is on hold 😓 #monarchairlines
— Jess Simm (@JessSimm1) October 3, 2017
Ofc the airline I got my ticket to LDN with is the one that failed, why am I so surprised? #monarchairlines
— Chiara Dona (@skippingbrain) October 3, 2017
While others expressed appreciation to the Civil Aviation Authority for ensuring they arrived home safely.
@UK_CAA #monarchairlines #MonarchCollapse Thank you CAA for sorting our flight back yesterday, much appreciated. 👍
— GarryF (@Garryf50) October 3, 2017
READ: Ryanair boss admits mass cancellations are “clearly a mess”