UK travel operator Ickenham Travel Group enters administration after ceasing trading

The holding company behind Ickenham Travel Group has entered administration, with Jonathan Beard and Gavin Savage of Begbies Traynor appointed as joint administrators on 8 December, bringing formal insolvency proceedings to a business that had operated in the UK travel sector for more than five decades.

Ickenham Travel Group, founded in 1970, was based in London and traded under several brands including Abu Dhabi Holidays, Ras Al Khaimah Holidays and Letsgo2, alongside a portfolio of associated consumer facing websites. The group historically operated a network of high street branches across parts of Greater London before consolidating its operations in later years.

The company ceased trading as an ATOL licence holder on 20 November, prompting intervention by the Civil Aviation Authority, which issued guidance to customers holding flight inclusive package bookings. The regulator confirmed that certain flight tickets already issued could remain valid, while advising affected consumers on refund claims and replacement arrangements under the ATOL protection scheme.

The administration process will address the group’s outstanding liabilities and the treatment of customer and trade creditor claims, including those relating to non-flight or accommodation only bookings that fall outside ATOL coverage. The administrators are expected to engage with the Civil Aviation Authority and key stakeholders as they assess recoveries and next steps.