Air travel
The Edinburgh-based company went into administration this week
19.01.10 - 11:02 -
It is thought that approximately 350 people, mainly Scots, have been left stranded in Malaga after the company, Globespan, Scotland's largest travel company, went in to adminstration on Wednesday evening.
The Edinburgh-based operator and airline, which ran routes between Malaga and Glasgow and Malaga and the Scottish capital, folded after last minute talks for a takeover collapsed and ceased operating all their flights.
As news of the company's demise broke those due to fly with Flyglobespan went to the airport to seek information. "No-one seems to know what is going one," said Janice Robertson. "We are having to head back to our holiday home in Nerja and pay for new flights if we want to get back for Christmas." Another angry passenger, Wilf Trebitt, who spends the winter in Fuengirola added, "It just means even more expense for us. But I have no choice as I need to get back to collect my medication which has nearly run out."
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in the UK understands that there are currently 3,400 passengers who are overseas and around another 90,000 customers with forward bookings with Flyglobespan.
A CAA spokesperson said: “The Globespan Group PLC includes two companies, Globespan, a tour operator that sold package holidays protected by ATOL, and Flyglobespan, an airline whose passengers are not ATOL protected.” He continued: "Airlines are outside the ATOL scheme, so people who booked directly with Flyglobespan are not protected."
Flyglobespan customers who paid by debit or charge card are being advised to contact their card company for advice about full or a partial refund where only part of the journey has been completed. Customers with travel insurance should check their policy to see whether airline insolvency cover is included.
Meanwhile, this is little comfort to the passengers who will need to make their own alternative arrangements to fly to the UK using different airlines. "I know these things happen, but there should be more information made available to us," said Mr Trebitt.
Some airlines are now offering special "repatriation fares" to help Flyglobespan passengers. The CAA has also suggested the people in Malaga with flights with Flyglobespan should call 0044 203 441 0846.
