The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is advising businesses to apply early and avoid last minute panics ahead of the September ATOL renewal period.

To encourage timely submissions, the regulator is introducing discounted renewal fees for complete applications received before 1 September 2026, alongside a higher level of discount for those submitted before 1 August 2026. Additional savings are available to ATOL holders who pay both the CAA and Air Passenger Contribution (APC) fees by Direct Debit.

ATOL, which financially protects consumers booking package holidays, is a legal requirement for UK travel organisers selling flight‑inclusive packages.

The incentives are designed to support a smoother renewal process and reduce last-minute pressure on both businesses and the regulator’s licensing team. Submitting complete applications in advance helps ensure they can be processed ahead of the deadline, enabling companies to continue selling ATOL-protected holidays without interruption from 1 October 2026.

Cecile Durand-Agbo, Head of ATOL Licensing Operations at the CAA, said:

“The availability of fee discounts means there is a clear benefit for businesses that apply early, while also helping to ensure a smoother renewal process across the industry. We encourage all ATOL holders due to renew in September to submit their applications in good time, to avoid any risk of disruption to their ability to trade from 1 October.”

The CAA closely monitors companies whose ATOLs have not been renewed and will take appropriate action where there is evidence of regulatory breaches.

Full details of ATOL renewal fees and available discounts can be found on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website: ATOL renewal fees | UK Civil Aviation Authority