At a glance:
- A total of 1,616 businesses in the travel sector are licensed under the ATOL scheme according to new figures released by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
- The regulator, which oversees the financial protection scheme, has published the figures following its completion of the March 2025 ATOL licence renewal process.
- Of the 674 ATOL licences that expired on 31 March 2025, 611 have been renewed, with a further 27 still in the application process or yet to meet licence conditions[1].
Jet2holidays, TUI, loveholidays, easyJet Holidays and On the Beach make up the current top five licence holders. The latest top 10 ATOL holders report is available on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website.
Michael Budge, Head of ATOL at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“Companies renewing their licence in March have shown they expect passenger demand will continue to grow over the next 12 months.
“Household budgets will continue to feel the squeeze in the coming months, however with holidays abroad remaining a high priority for many it is important consumers do their research before booking. Use our website to check their holiday company is an ATOL licensed tour operator and book an ATOL protected package holiday.”
The UK Civil Aviation Authority reminds travel businesses that they should apply to renew their ATOL well in advance of the deadline because of the time required to analyse and process applications, and for the applicant to put any required conditions in place.
Businesses that fail to allow reasonable time to apply by the deadline risk being unable to take ATOL protected bookings.
[1] Data as at 1 April 2025
ENDS.
NOTES TO EDITOR
The first notes to editor bullet point below should be included in every release:
- The UK Civil Aviation Authority is the UK’s aviation regulator. We work so that the aviation industry meets the highest safety standards and consumers have choice, value for money, are protected and treated fairly when they fly.
- The ATOL scheme offers financial protection for British holidaymakers when they book a package trip that includes a flight. The scheme steps in to protect passengers if their holiday company ceases to trade, assisting them to get home if they are already aboard or allowing them to make a claim for a refund if they are yet to travel.