Primera Air announced yesterday that it would be ceasing all operations. The low-cost airline only began offering long-haul flights from the UK earlier this year and has blamed operational problems and late deliveries of new aircraft for its collapse.
The airline has been running for 14 years and has said they had no choice but to file for bankruptcy.
Thousands of passengers have been left stranded abroad or unable to reach their holiday destination and many more have been left out of pocket, but it is unlikely those affected will be able to claim back any compensation.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are advising passengers, who booked a package holiday, that Primera Air is a Danish registered airline therefore it will not be covered by the CAA’s ATOL Protection Scheme. Those stranded abroad will need to make their own alternative arrangements to return back to the UK.
Some travel agents or tour operators may offer an alternative flight with another airline if you have booked a package holiday.
Those who paid by credit or visa card may be able to claim back the cost of the ticket under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 but should check with their provider.
Passengers should also check to see if their travel insurance policy offers cover for ‘Scheduled Airline Failure’ or ‘End Supplier Failure’, however it is worth noting this is not usually covered as standard and requires an additional premium to be paid at the time of purchased.
Those with Scheduled Airline Failure or End Supplier Failure who have not yet left the UK will be able to claim back the cost of the flight, provided the money cannot be refunded from anywhere else. Passengers who are already abroad should be able to claim back the cost of a flight home.
It is worth noting, travel insurance will not provide cover if it has either been purchased after the company has declared bankruptcy or announced it would be going into liquidation. More on Financial Failure can be found here.
Primera Air’s goodbye comes just shy of a year since Monarch Air ceased training.