Stranded Zoom Passengers Search for a Route Back Home
By Lucy Christie; Scottish Press Association
Hundreds of travellers left stranded following the collapse of low-fare airline Zoom have been attempting to make their way home.
The UK and Canada-based firm grounded flights on Thursday as they prepared to go into administration.
Zoom, which operated from five UK airports, blamed financial difficulties on fuel bills as a result of the high cost of oil.
Passengers on both sides of the Atlantic face spending hundreds on alternative flights.
Zoom’s cash crisis became apparent on Wednesday following the grounding of a Zoom flight from Paris at Calgary airport, Canada.
Glasgow airport was instructed by the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority to detain a Halifaxbound flight over non-payment of charges.
Passengers began queueing for a later flight to Vancouver which never left the ground. Travellers were told of the company’s collapse as they continued to wait.
Zoom, founded by Scottish brothers John and Hugh Boyle, said it had attempted to secure a refinancing package. But the owners issued an apology to travellers and more than 600 staff after failing to strike a deal.
The airline is based at Gatwick and employs around 450 in Canada and 260 in the UK.
The Boyle brothers said last night: “It is a tragic day for our passengers and more than 600 staff. We are desperately sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this will cause passengers and those who have booked.”
Passengers due to fly with Zoom were sent emails explaining what had happened and suggesting other airlines.
Journalist Elizabeth Mavor was due to fly from Gatwick to Montreal on September 19.
Ms Mavor, from north-west London, said yesterday: “I had flown with Zoom before and they were great. It had never occurred to me anything could go wrong. I had no inkling they were in trouble. I paid for my ticket with a credit card and will have to wait beyond September 19 to get any money back. I’m trying to find an alternative airline.”
Canadian Affair, the UK’s largest operator to Canada, said yesterday it was operating additional flights to and from Canada to help.
The company has rebooked more than 3,000 passengers and will run an additional flight on Monday (September 1) from Toronto to London and from London to Toronto on Tuesday (September 2). Further flights were added yesterday.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said there were about 4,500 UK passengers abroad and approximately 60,000 with forward bookings with Zoom Airlines Limited and Zoom Airlines Inc.
The CAA added its Air Travel Organisers’ Licensing (ATOL) protection scheme does not cover customers who book flights directly with airlines.
It added UK customers due to fly back to the UK were advised to make alternative arrangements. The CAA went on: “Customers with forward bookings who booked using a credit card are advised to contact their credit card company about refunds. Customers who paid by debit or charge card should contact their card company for advice about full or a partial refund where only part of the journey has been completed. Customers with travel insurance should check their policy to see whether airline insolvency was provided.”
The CAA added UK customers who purchased air holiday packages which included Zoom flights or charter flights from a tour operator should contact their tour operator or travel agent about alternative arrangements.
Non-UK customers were advised to contact their home country’s aviation/consumer protection organisation or their credit card company for advice and information about whether they are able to obtain refunds or assistance.
Abta yesterday called on the Government to require all airlines to provide financial protection for their customers “as the failure of Zoom meant hundreds of customers are finding they could be out of pocket or stranded today”.
I had flown with Zoom before and they were great. It never occurred to me that anything could go wrong
Elizabeth Mavor
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