Crown Services UK – a London-based travel agency – has ceased trading with hundreds of customers left out of pocket.

A Civil Aviation Authority investigation revealed the organisation had stopped operating “several weeks” ago, but had only now begun formal winding up procedures.

Some 200 customers are believed to have been owed money at the time of closure, with many now facing a lengthy battle to reclaim the cash.

Crown Services UK – itself an airline ticket specialist – also traded under the names Flight Zone UK and Popular Flights.

A statement on the CAA website explained: “We now understand that passengers paid sums of money into various bank accounts.

“We are currently trying to ascertain whether these bank accounts belonged to the failed firm. This may take some time.

“In the meantime, passengers should collate all their booking information, including their evidence of payment.

“Passengers should also obtain letters from the relevant airlines confirming whether or not tickets were issued.”