Holidays at risk as PwC administrators appointed to tour operator

PWC ADMINISTRATORS have been called to tour operator Holiday 4 UK, which has about 12,000 holiday makers currently abroad.

The Brighton based company, which also traded as Aegan Flights, has appointed Ian Oakley-Smith and David Chubb as joint administrators.

Holiday 4 UK has ceased operating with the majority of the 18 strong staff made redundant.

Oakley-Smith, director at PwC, said: "The company has suffered because of the difficulties faced by the travel industry during 2010 and 2011, as a result of the economic downturn."

The business had an annual turnover of about £35m and currently has about 20,000 forward bookings.

Oakley-Smith has worked on previous tour operator Goldtrail which collapsed last year. He was appointed joint liquidator alongside Rob Hunt.

Chubb and Oakley-Smith have advised customers that have yet to travel, to contact the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). All forward bookings have been cancelled but refunds may be available under the Air Travel Organiser's Licensing Scheme.

The CAA said it would ensure all customers could fly home, although it has not specified if they will return to their designated airport.