Nearly half of businesses yet to apply for September ATOL renewal
Travel businesses due to renew their ATOL this month are being urged to submit their renewal applications well before 30 September 2021 to avoid processing delays.
More than 45%, or 510 of the potential 1,127, of travel companies are yet to apply to renew their ATOL.
Whilst the Civil Aviation Authority understands the issues the travel industry is facing, it has a duty to protect consumers and make sure that it has complete and accurate financial information before processing a renewal.
This includes asking for readily available additional information to provide an up-to-date picture of businesses’ financial position.
Without this information there may be a delay in the renewal process.
The future changes being discussed in the ATOL Reform consultation will have no bearing on current licensing decisions.
Michael Budge, Head of ATOL Licensing at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: "We would like to thank travel companies that have already submitted their application and supporting information for renewal in good time, as well as engaging with us throughout the process."
"We understand the challenges the travel industry is facing, but travel companies that have yet to submit their renewals are urged to do so as soon as possible. The earlier they submit, the more we can engage and support in the licence renewal process."
"We are mindful that applicants are looking for quick decisions, but reflective of the industry’s current financial challenges, things can take longer. Companies that apply late risk a delay in having their ATOL licence processed."
It says over a quarter of applicants in March 2021 applied in the last 10 days leading up to the renewal deadline, which created challenges for both the travel company and Civil Aviation Authority.
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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