The fallout from bankrupt Seguro is starting to bite, as many of the stranded passengers struggle to find alternative flights home.

Almost 2,500 holidaymakers are thought to have been abroad when Seguro went into administration yesterday. The Macclesfield-based firm said its closure was due to Spanish airline Futura, which operated 80% of its flights, launching insolvency proceedings due to high fuel costs.The firm flew from airports in Kent and Prestwick in Ayrshire to Spain, Portugal and the Canaries.

Over 17,000 people had made advance bookings with Seguro, which operated package holidays and flights to Spain, the Canaries and Portugal.

Seguro sold mainly through travel agents, so it is thought the majority of those who booked a package holiday are ATOL protected.

Travel companies in the ATOL scheme submit a financial guarantee bond to the Civil Aviation Authority which can be used to bring stranded clients home, and compensate those who have future bookings.

Seguro directors Rachel Elliott and Richard Burke said: “Futura’s collapse was totally unexpected as an airline with over 30 planes, having a good reputation and being one of Spain’s respected airlines.

A spokesperson for Humberside Airport told the BBC: “The tour operators Thomson and Thomas Cook are currently looking into alternative flights for all passengers who have been affected.

“For any queries, can customers please contact the tour operator direct.”

A spokesman for Thomson said: “First Choice and Thomson can confirm we have a minimal number of passengers travelling with Futura each week.

“Alternative flights are currently being confirmed for customers booked to travel imminently and options are being explored for those customers travelling at a later date.”
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