In what is being called “the U.K.’s biggest-ever airline collapse,” Monarch Airlines has collapsed and left 110,000 passengers stranded all around their network. In addition to this, another 750,000 customers are facing the loss of their tickets and travel plans.
110,000 Passengers Stranded As Monarch Airlines Collapses
Many customers were showing up at airports for flights only to be told that their flights were cancelled and the airline was no more – this 5 minutes before some flights were due to take off. In addition to this, apparently the board had decided to go into administration (when the control of a company passes to an appointed administrator) on Saturday evening but only cancelled everything this morning.
Monarch customers in the UK: don’t go to the airport. There will be no more Monarch flights. This page will no longer be monitored. pic.twitter.com/hzfQGZ0Ty8
— Monarch (@Monarch) October 2, 2017
As you can imagine, this has caused incredible frustration and anger. There are 34 airplanes that have been chartered to bring back the UK travelers but it will take place over the next 2 weeks.
This is only for passengers with returns on or before October 15, 2017. The aircraft being used to bring these passengers home are apparently part of the Qatar Airways fleet that they had rented out during their diplomatic dispute in the region.
This is an unbelievable mess and you can read several stories about people who have had long-planned trips/holidays/special vacations ruined because of this collapse.
Here is the information that is now on the Monarch home page as of this morning:
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.
Customers already abroad
If you are currently abroad and due to return to the UK on or before 15 October 2017 we are making arrangements for you to return home to the UK on a new flight, at the end of your holiday. These new flights will be at no extra cost to you.
We will of course prioritise vulnerable passengers, including unaccompanied minors, and make sure that family groups travel on the same flights.
For further advice and details of your new flight please read I am currently abroad.
If you are currently abroad and due to return to the UK after this date, please read the additional information section.
Customers yet to travel out of the UK
We are sorry to inform you that all future holidays and flights booked with Monarch are now cancelled as of 2 October 2017.
If you are booked on a Monarch Airlines flight, please do not go to your UK airport, as your flight will not be operating.
Further information is available at I have a future booking and have not travellled yet.
Featured image from Twitter.com/monarch
