25-04-2025
Gutted Scots ‘in limbo' after holiday cancels as travel firm stops trading
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GUTTED Scots have been left "in limbo" after a travel firm shut up shop and cancelled their holidays.
Balkan Holidays announced it had ceased trading as of today (April 24) - after almost 60 years in the business affecting thousands of UK customers.
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Holidaymakers due to travel to resorts like Sunny Beach have been left gutted
Credit: Alamy
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Balkan Holidays LTD made an announcement on its Facebook page
Credit: Balkan Holidays Ltd
Holiday makers currently abroad have been told they will be able to complete their travels, but people with upcoming bookings have been told they will receive refund - but with no news as to when.
Hundreds of Scots travellers are thought to be affected and some have taken to social media pages on Sunny Beach resort in Bulgaria - where Balkan operates, to vent their anger.
Nell McVicker said: "Due to go July just got email saying cancelled and how sorry they are we always used Balkan brilliant company."
Rachel Ward branded the firm a "joke" after taking payment for her holiday as recently as last month.
She said: "Holiday cancelled with Balkan only paid off last month what a joke to take our money."
Deborah Ann Murray said: "We are in total limbo. We don't know whether to book a new holiday or not because we just don't know if and when the refund will come through.
"For some people that's not even an option because they have not got spare cash to just book another trip. It's just a mess."
Mike Baxter said: "Our holiday at the moment has been cancelled, I was on to Ramsey travel this morning and they are trying to find out if they can use our money as credit on another flight, so we can still go although it may be slightly dearer, just have to wait and see what will happen and hope for the best
Archie McGlashan added: "Used them for eight holidays to Bulgaria. Thought something was up when they pulled the Glasgow flights this summer. Sorry to see them go under."
At its peak Balkan Holidays served 130,000 holiday makers in a single year.
Baha Mar Holiday Resort
In a statement shared to its Facebook and website, the tour operator offered its "sincere apologies" over the news.
It said: "We regret to inform you that Balkan Holidays Ltd has, as of 24th of April 2025, closed for business in the UK.
"The company has not gone into liquidation, however all forward holiday bookings have been cancelled.
"All clients will be notified and refunded in full.
"May we kindly ask for patience as we process the refunds and appreciate your understanding.
"Thank you for your past business and please accept our most sincere apologies for the disappointment and inconvenience."
Customers who booked direct have been urged to email the operator for their money back.
However, people who booked via a travel agent will need to contact the third party to get a refund.
Balkan are processing refunds in order of departure date.
Balkan Holidays specialised in Bulgarian trips and set up almost 60 years ago, flying clients out to Burgas, on the country's Black Sea coast, beach holidays - as well as the capital of Sofia for skiing and snowboarding trips.
It also ran holidays in Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Malta and Northern Cyprus.
The company offered departures from 17 UK airports - more than any other UK tour operator.
