A long-established British holiday company has ceased operations after more than half a century in business, leaving customers scrambling for information about their bookings.
End of an Era for Family-Run Travel Firm
The Ickenham Travel Group, which was founded in 1970 by entrepreneur Peter Reglar, has fallen into administration. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirmed that the firm stopped trading in November 2025. For 55 years, the company operated, also trading under the brand names Abu Dhabi Holidays, Ras Al Khaimah Holidays, and Letsgo2.
The CAA announced the news, advising travellers who were already abroad and due to return home on or after November 20 to contact their airline directly using the details on their existing ticket to check if their flight was still valid.
Advice for Affected Holidaymakers
For customers with future travel plans booked through the failed company, the situation is complex. The validity of a holiday package now depends on its specific terms and crucially, whether it was ATOL protected.
In an official statement, the CAA explained: ‘If the airline confirms you have a valid ticket for travel, you may have the option to travel. However, other services may not have been paid to the local suppliers, and you will be required to re-arrange and pay for these services again.’
This leaves affected passengers with two primary options for dealing with an upcoming trip:
- Use the Flight and Claim Costs: Travellers can choose to use their valid flight ticket. They would then need to pay for replacement services like accommodation and transfers themselves and later submit a claim to recover these costs. The CAA stipulates that any replacement services must match the standard of the original booking.
- Claim a Full Refund: Alternatively, customers can choose not to travel at all and submit a claim for a full refund.
Understanding the Risks and Protections
The regulator issued a significant warning to those opting to use their flight. The original package protection, which covered unforeseen circumstances like cancellation, may no longer apply. ‘You will therefore be responsible for any risks arising from each individual element of your trip which would have previously been protected,’ the CAA stated.
For holidays that were cancelled before Ickenham Travel Group entered administration, customers are entitled to make a claim to be reimbursed under the ATOL financial protection scheme. This safety net is designed to protect consumers when a travel firm fails.
The collapse of this well-known family business marks a sombre end to a significant chapter in the UK's travel industry, highlighting the ongoing volatility within the sector and the critical importance of financial protection for holiday bookings.
