Thousands of British holidaymakers have been left stranded abroad following the collapse of budget operator Goldtrail.

Around 16,000 people are trapped outside the UK and a further 2,000 due to fly to Greece and Turkey this weekend have had their holidays cancelled.

Surrey-based Goldtrail went into administration at 4pm yesterday, grounding planes with immediate effect.

A spokesman from Glasgow Airport said passengers had checked in and were due to fly last night before the company collapsed.

Police at the airport forced them to return the duty free they had bought at the airport before they were sent home.

The CAA said it was making arrangements to fly customers back to the UK at the end of their holiday under its ATOL scheme.

In a statement it said: “The CAA has taken steps to protect customers booked with Goldtrail Travel Limited after the company ceased trading this evening.

“Goldtrail Travel Ltd, trading as Goldtrail Holidays, Goldtrail Travel and Sunmar, held ATOL licence 4684 and was based in New Malden, Surrey.

“It operated flights and holiday packages from many UK airports to Turkey and Greece. It sold mainly through travel agents.

“The CAA, under its ATOL scheme, is making arrangements for customers abroad to travel home at the end of their holidays.’

The majority of flights home from Turkey will operate as normal, the CAA said.

However, holidaymakers in Greece were warned to expect changes to flights and are advised to check with representatives at local airports.

The CAA said there were no more outbound Goldtrail flights and advised customers due to fly with the failed operator to check with their travel agent before leaving for the airport.

The company’s collapse comes just ahead of the busiest holiday period of the year, with most British schools closing for the summer break at the end of next week. 

Goldtrail specialised in cheap holidays to Turkey, including resorts such as Marmaris and Bodrum.