Rise in ATOL-protected holiday sales boosts Trust Fund

There was a 4.5% rise in the number of holidays protected by ATOLs last year, when a total of 15 licence holders failed, up from 13 the previous year.

As a result of the collapses, the call on the Air Travel Trust Fund was higher than in 2014, but the payout was still lower than it has been following major collapses since 2008, according to its annual report.

In total, 527 passengers required repatriation last year and a further 7,785 customers were due refunds.

The Air Travel Trust Fund paid out just over £5.5 million, but the amount raised from ATOL Protection Contributions in the year to March was £59.4 million, up from £53.7 million in the previous year.

As a result, the Air Travel Trust had a surplus of £93.7 million by the end of the year, £39 million more than in 2014.