CAA wrong to fight Travel Republic, say operators
The Civil Aviation Authority wasted time on a ‘relentless pursuit’ of Travel Republic rather than pushing through much-need licensing reform, says the Association of ATOL Companies (AAC).
AAC chairman David Mortimer said that while the CAA was fighting a legal battle with the online travel firm for an alleged breach of ATOL regulations, the process for reforming the licensing system had stalled.
After losing the final round in its fight with Travel Republic on Thursday when the Supreme Court refused to hear its appeal, the CAA admitted urgent reform of ATOLs was now vital.
Whilst Mortimer welcomed the CAA’s proposal for a ‘Flight Plus’ system to extend protection to consumers buying non-packaged holidays, he accused the CAA of wasting valuable time.
"We have always thought it was a better cause of action to be looking at reform rather than the relentless pursuit of Travel Republic," said Mortimer.
"We believe the CAA was distracted by the case against Travel Republic. Instead, it should have resolved the issue by reforming ATOL regulations.
"We welcome the fact that the CAA has now switched its focus back to ATOL reform."
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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