ABTA warns consumers after Duo collapse

ABTA has entered the debate over the absence of consumer protection available to scheduled airline passengers following the collapse of the airline Duo.

The association warned that it was “probable” that other carriers could fold and urged consumers to book through bonded tour operators.

Concern over the viability of some airlines was also raised by easyJet chief executive Ray Webster while revealing reduced losses of £27.3 million for the half year to 31 March for the no-frills airline.

“We are currently seeing unprofitable and unrealistic pricing by airlines, across all sectors of the European industry, seeking to grow or maintain their market share,” he said.

And ABTA president John Harding’s company Travelscene sought to highlight the issue by drawing attention to the lack of cover available to people who make their own travel and accommodation arrangements.

Many passengers were left stranded and others with forward bookings lost their money following the failure of Birmingham-based Duo last Friday.

An ABTA statement said: “Clients who booked direct with the airline found themselves stranded whereas those who had used the airline as part of a package booked through a tour operator would have been brought home at no extra charge by their tour company.”

Mr Harding said: “ABTA tour operators are required by law to protect their clients if an airline fails. In the current climate it is probable that more airlines will go out of business and booking a package is by far the safest and most convenient way to provide yourself with peace of mind and full cover.”

Separately, in his role as sales director of city breaks operator Travelscene, Mr Harding warned: “This is not the first ‘no frills’ airline to cease operating – Debonair, Planet Air, Jet Magic and Buzz left passengers in the lurch and without any financial recourse. It’s unlikely to be the last if the current over capacity in the marketplace continues.

“The message is glaringly clear for consumers and it doesn’t mean that they have to pay more for their flights. All they have to do is make some quick price comparisons to find out low does not always mean low cost – but unless booked as a package will always mean unprotected.”

He said it was a sad reality that some Duo passengers found themselves better protected than others.

Travelscene said it had 12 people due to fly with Duo who were able to continue with their holidays without cost and disruption because the operator was responsible for making alternative travel arrangements.

Report by Phil Davies