Four UK travel firms cease trading as holidaymakers told all bookings cancelled

Four UK travel firms cease trading as holidaymakers told all bookings cancelledFour travel companies have gone into liquidation or ceased trading in 2026, cancelling all bookings - here's what you need to know about refunds and ATOL protection if your trip is affectedCommentsNewsAlex Evans Deputy Audience Editor and Zahra Khaliq News Reporter22:27, 17 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesTravellers are not entitled to refunds unless the company they book with is ATOL protected(Image: Getty Images)Four travel companies have collapsed in 2026, leaving scores of holidaymakers with cancelled bookings.‌With jet fuel costs rocketing in the wake of the Iran crisis and global travel facing uncertainty due to travel warnings, further firms could yet be pushed to the brink.‌When holiday companies go under, bookings are scrapped and travellers lose both their trip and their money, unless their operator was covered by ATOL protection.‌In January, Regen Central Ltd went into liquidation and cancelled all holidays without issuing refunds. The company, which was established in Hertfordshire in 2011 before relocating to London, lost its ATOL protection on January 13.The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed that Regen Central had no outstanding ATOL-protected bookings, adding that those sold as accommodation only, non-flight or flight-only bookings are not covered by ATOL.View 3 ImagesFour travel companies have collapsed in 2026(Image: Getty Images)‌On January 23, British coach operator Gold Crest Holidays announced it was ceasing trading, shutting down its operations with immediate effect. All forthcoming trips and packages were axed. The family-run West Yorkshire firm, which had been operating for 30 years, cited rising costs as the reason behind its closure.It said in a statement on its website: "After more than 30 years of creating unforgettable holidays, we are deeply saddened to announce that Gold Crest Holidays has ceased trading with immediate effect and has taken steps to ent...