Holiday firm Goldtrail collapses

Thousands of tourists were trapped abroad today and others will lose their holidays after tour operator Goldtrail collapsed.

Around 200 people, including children, were turned away from Birmingham Airport after their flight to Turkey was cancelled.

They had all booked their trips through Goldtrail that ceased trading amid a cash crisis last night.

Birmingham Airport spokeswoman Justine Hunt said: "They arrived for a 6 am check in and were told to go to the inquiries desk where they heard the news. Many were obviously very disappointed. They included children and families that had come from far and wide expecting to board the flight."

The 9am flight to Dalaman they were due to board had just brought another 200 Goldtrail travellers safely back from their holidays in Turkey

It touched down at 7.30 am but was then grounded and prevented from returning to Dalaman.

The Civil Aviation Authority said Goldtrail Travel was ATOL protected and so all those who have lost their holidays following its collapse would get full refunds.

Around 16,000 holidaymakers on trips booked through the firm were thought to be abroad, mainly in Greece and Turkey, when it ceased trading.

CAA spokesman Jonathan Nicholson said: "They can carry on with their holidays and the vast majority of those in Turkey will not face any disruption with their planned travel home.

But those in Greece have been warned to expect changes to flights and advised to check with representatives at local airports. There will be no more people flying out on holidays booked through Goldtrail."

The failed company traded as Goldtrail Holidays, Goldtrail Travel and Sunmar and was based in Surrey. Customers can call the CAA on 0203 441 0846.