Thousands of holidaymakers have had their Christmas plans thrown into disarray after it was announced a travel group had entered administration.

Allbury Travel Group, which traded as Libra Holidays, Argo Holidays and JetLife, ceased trading with 100 holidaymakers currently abroad and about 4,000 customers with forward bookings, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said.

The Hertfordshire-based firm operated air package holidays and flights out of Gatwick, Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham and Leeds Bradford airports to Greece, Cyprus and Egypt, and sold mainly through travel agents.

Travellers turned up expecting to fly out for their Christmas breaks were told the company had entered administration at midnight.

The CAA said that under its Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) scheme, it was making plans for customers abroad to complete their holidays and return to the UK.

Arrangements are also being made to fully refund those with forward bookings, it said in a statement on its website.

People due to travel through Allbury Travel Group have been urged not to go to their departure airport as all holidays have been cancelled. Customers should submit a claim to the CAA.

The CAA added: “The CAA will be making arrangements to ensure customers on Allbury Travel Group holidays remain in their holiday accommodation and fly home as planned.

“Information will be made available to representatives and hoteliers in resort.”

Allbury customers currently abroad can contact the CAA on 0044 203 441 0846, and those with forward bookings can call them on 0844 856 2585.

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