Airline collapse hits travellers

Alternative flights are being looked at for holidaymakers

Holidaymakers travelling to and from Humberside Airport could be affected by the collapse of an airline.

Spanish-based Futura has cancelled flights and began insolvency proceedings, blaming rising fuel costs.

Three flights from Humberside were to ferry holidaymakers to resorts in Spain at the weekend and bring tourists home.

Tour operators using the airline said alternative flights were being arranged for holidaymakers booked to travel imminently.

'Payment obligations'

A statement issued by Futura said: "The difficulties being experienced by the sector, but above all the excessive and speculative increase of fuel in the last few months, have put Futura in a very difficult situation from the financial point of view."

The company said if it had not requested insolvency it would be impossible to meet its payment obligations with suppliers.

A spokesman for tour operator First Choice and Thomson said: "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.

"We would like to reassure our customers that as an ATOL bonded company, our holidays are financially protected, including any Thomson or First Choice package incorporating Futura flights."

A spokesman for Thomas Cook said: "We are working very closely with other airlines to reallocate all our passengers to alternative flights.

"Passengers with changes to their travel plans will be advised of any new arrangements as a matter of urgency."