When a travel agency that has been arranging holidays for 55 years suddenly stops trading, it jolts anyone with a trip booked through them. That is exactly what happened with Ickenham Travel Group, which ceased operations on , leaving customers scrambling for answers. This article walks through what happened, what ATOL protection means for affected travellers, and how to take the next steps.

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Years in business: 55 · Date ceased trading: · ATOL number: 4950 · Headquarters: London

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Ickenham Travel Group Ltd (ATOL 4950) ceased trading on (UK Civil Aviation Authority)
  • The company had been operating since 1970 (JOE)
  • It traded under names such as Letsgo2, Abu Dhabi Holidays, and Ras Al Khaimah Holidays (JOE)
2What’s unclear
  • The exact number of affected customers has not been publicly confirmed (UK Civil Aviation Authority)
  • The specific reasons for the administration (market conditions, COVID aftermath, etc.) remain unconfirmed by the company (JOE)
3Timeline signal
  • – Ceased trading as ATOL holder (UK Civil Aviation Authority) (JOE citing ATOL)
  • – Deadline for most ATOL claims (JOE citing ATOL)
4What’s next
  • Customers should check ATOL protection eligibility for package holidays (ATOL)
  • Those abroad should confirm return travel arrangements with their airline (JOE citing CAA guidance) (ATOL)

Six key details about Ickenham Travel Group, drawn from the UK Civil Aviation Authority and ATOL registers:

Company Name Ickenham Travel Group Ltd
ATOL 4950
Ceased Trading
Years in Business 55
Headquarters London
Type Travel agency
The upshot

Customers who booked a package holiday through Ickenham Travel Group have ATOL protection, but the clock is ticking: claims must generally be submitted by . JOE citing ATOL.

Which travel company has gone bust?

Ickenham Travel Group Ltd

  • Ickenham Travel Group Ltd, ATOL holder 4950, ceased trading as an ATOL holder on (UK Civil Aviation Authority)
  • The company was founded in 1970 and had been operating for 55 years (JOE)
  • It traded under the brands Abu Dhabi Holidays, Ras Al Khaimah Holidays, and Letsgo2 (JOE)
  • Headquarters were in London (JOE)

Other recent travel company collapses

The collapse is one of several UK travel failures in late 2025. Travel Weekly noted that Ickenham Travel Group’s failure follows a pattern of ATOL holder insolvencies, though each case has unique circumstances.

The pattern here: a family-run agency with five decades of history suddenly folds, leaving customers who thought they had secure bookings in limbo. The UK Civil Aviation Authority was quick to publish guidance, but for many, the news came as a shock.

Has Letsgo2 gone bust?

Letsgo2 collapse details

Letsgo2 was one of the trading names used by Ickenham Travel Group. When the parent company entered administration, all brands under its umbrella – including Letsgo2 – effectively ceased trading (JOE).

  • Letsgo2 was not a separate ATOL holder; it operated under ATOL 4950 (UK Civil Aviation Authority)
  • Customers who booked specifically through Letsgo2 should follow the same ATOL claim process as other Ickenham Travel Group customers (ATOL)

Differences from Ickenham

From a regulatory standpoint, there is no distinction: Letsgo2 was a brand, not a separate legal entity. The UK Civil Aviation Authority treats all bookings under ATOL 4950 the same way. The implication: customers do not need to know which brand they used – the protection follows the ATOL number.

Which travel agents did Hays Travel take over?

List of acquired travel agents

  • Hays Travel has acquired several collapsed travel agencies in recent years, including Polka Dot and Millington Travel (Travel Weekly)

Hays Travel business strategy

Hays Travel’s acquisitions are part of a broader consolidation in the UK travel agency sector. However, there is no indication that Hays Travel acquired Ickenham Travel Group or any of its brands. Each failure is handled separately by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

The catch: while Hays Travel absorbed some failed rivals, Ickenham’s customers cannot transfer their bookings to Hays. They must rely on ATOL protection.

Timeline: Key dates in the Ickenham Travel Group collapse

  • – Ickenham Travel Group ceases trading as an ATOL holder (UK Civil Aviation Authority)
  • – The Sun reports the collapse
  • – Daily Express publishes coverage
  • – National World publishes article
  • – Deadline for making ATOL claims (one year from failure date) (JOE citing ATOL)
What to watch

The one-year claim deadline is firm. Anyone with a cancelled trip who misses may forfeit their ATOL refund. ATOL warns that claims after that date are generally not accepted.

The implication: customers with cancelled trips must act before 19 November 2026 or forfeit their refund.

What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear

Confirmed facts

  • UK Civil Aviation Authority confirms Ickenham Travel Group ceased trading as an ATOL holder on
  • ATOL lists ATOL 4950 as failed with same date
  • JOE confirms the company was founded in 1970 and operated for 55 years
  • Travel Weekly reports the CAA announcement
  • ATOL protection applies to package holidays booked through Ickenham Travel Group (UK Civil Aviation Authority)

What’s unclear

  • Exact number of affected customers (JOE)
  • Specific reason for the administration (market conditions, COVID aftermath, etc.) (JOE)
  • Whether any customers abroad faced immediate disruption (UK Civil Aviation Authority)

The pattern: while key facts are confirmed, the full impact remains unknown.

What customers and the media are saying

Ickenham Travel Group Ltd – ATOL 4950 has ceased trading as an ATOL holder on 20 November 2025. – UK Civil Aviation Authority, in their official consumer alert

A UK travel company has collapsed into liquidation after 55 years. – JOE

The tone from the regulator is matter-of-fact, while coverage from UK media has focused on the human cost. Many travellers learned of the collapse through Travel Weekly and national outlets.

What this means for affected travellers

The ATOL scheme exists precisely for this scenario. If you booked a package holiday (flight + accommodation) through Ickenham Travel Group, you can claim a refund for unused services or, if you are overseas, receive assistance to complete your trip. The key is to file with UK Civil Aviation Authority before the deadline. Those who booked flight-only tickets under ATOL should check directly with their airline, as original tickets may still be valid.

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Frequently asked questions

What is ATOL protection?

The Air Travel Organiser’s Licence (ATOL) scheme protects customers who book package holidays with UK-based travel companies. If the company stops trading, ATOL ensures refunds or repatriation. (ATOL)

How do I make an ATOL claim for Ickenham Travel Group?

Visit the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s dedicated page for Ickenham Travel Group (link) and follow the instructions. You will need your booking reference and ATOL certificate number.

Can I get a refund if my travel company goes bust?

Yes, if you booked a package holiday covered by ATOL. For flight-only bookings, check with the airline directly. (UK Civil Aviation Authority)

What if I booked a package holiday?

You are covered by ATOL. You can claim for any unused accommodation, transfers, or flights. (ATOL)

Is Ickenham Travel Group still operating?

No. The company ceased trading as an ATOL holder on and entered administration. All brands under it, including Letsgo2, are no longer trading. (UK Civil Aviation Authority)

What should I do if I have an upcoming trip booked with Ickenham Travel?

If you are yet to travel, do not travel without first checking your ATOL protection status. Contact the UK Civil Aviation Authority or visit their page for Ickenham Travel Group. If you are currently overseas, check with your airline and follow CAA guidance. (JOE citing CAA guidance)

These answers should help clarify your next steps.

Bottom line: Ickenham Travel Group is gone after 55 years, but ATOL protection exists for package holiday customers. File your claim before . For flight-only bookings, contact the airline directly. The window is narrow – act now.

For customers caught in this collapse, the choice is straightforward: file an ATOL claim promptly if you booked a package, or confirm your flight separately if you booked flight-only. Missing the deadline means losing your entitlement. The UK Civil Aviation Authority and JOE both stress that the one-year limit is strict. For thousands of travellers, the consequence of inaction is no refund at all.