Monarch collapse debacle inspires UK Government review

TOTTERING: A photograph of Monarch Airline's check in desks at Luton just days before it collapsed

The aftermath of Monarch Airlines’ collapse last year, which left more than 100,000 flyers stranded, has sparked an independent review into air passenger repatriation and refund protection, it has been announced. 

Last week, the Department for Transport published its terms of reference for the investigation into the alternative models that can provide protection for travellers.

it will be independently chaired by Peter Bucks and will provide an interim report to the Secretary of State for Transport by summer 2018. It will outline the potential options that could be put in place to repatriate passengers of a collapsed airline. It will be supported by a team of professional advisers.

A final report will be produced by the end of 2018 which will offer recommendations on repatriation, refunds and the current financial protection arrangements for air-travel holidays.

Aviation Minister Baroness Sugg said: “It is hugely distressing for British holidaymakers to find themselves stranded abroad due to the failure of an airline or travel company.

“We are determined to put passengers at the heart of transport which is why we have announced the Airline Insolvency Review and appointed an independent chair to consider how best to protect passengers.

“I have asked Peter to look at all the possible options including new legislation to ensure that passengers are able to get home if their airline collapses.”

Airline Insolvency Review chair, Peter Bucks said: “Given the scale of changes in the air travel market over the past decade it is high time to take a fresh look at how well consumers are protected in the event of an airline insolvency.

“Recently we have seen first-hand the very real consequences of an airline failure and the distress that this can cause for passengers.

“This review will engage with stakeholders to establish what could be done in the event that travellers need to be repatriated and how best this is achieved.”