Travel Republic confirms ATOL application
Travel Republic confirmed today that it has applied for an ATOL licence for the first time to comply with the new Flight Plus regulations that came into force last month.
The online travel agency, which won a lengthy legal battle with the Civil Aviation Authority over its sale of non-licensed trips, issued a statement today saying he had applied for an ATOL "to ensure we are fully compliant with the new regulations".
Chief executive Kane Pirie, who led the battle against the CAA and has consistently spoken out against ATOL reform, refused to say why Travel Republic had chosen not to go down the route of acting as an agent for the consumer to avoid the need for a licence.
The online retailer sold 75% of its shares to Dubai-based dnata last December, but Emirates’ subsidiary said the decision to apply for an ATOL was taken by Travel Republic.
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
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season
Major rail disruptions around and in Berlin until early 2026