Nearly 10m passengers booked ATOL protected holidays in Q1 this year

This is an increase of 4.4% in the same period last year

Nearly 10 million holidaymakers jetted off for a city break or on a beach holiday, financially protected by ATOL over the course of January, February and March 2025.

9.8 million people booked an ATOL protected trip over the first quarter of the year, an increase of 4.4 per cent compared to the same period last year.

The surge in bookings highlights the growing confidence among travellers in the ATOL scheme’s ability to safeguard their financial interests.

More people also have forward bookings, backed by the ATOL scheme, with 12.8 million people booked on a trip between April and October 2025. 

Half of these bookings were made in the last three months, demonstrating a strong demand for securing a holiday.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority, which runs the ATOL scheme, is urging consumers to make sure their money is protected should the worst happen by booking an ATOL protected holiday.

Consumers can continue to use the ‘Check an ATOL’ tool to make sure their holiday provider has an ATOL License.

Michael Budge, Head of ATOL at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Planning a trip away with friends and family is exciting and we know that nearly 10m consumers have recently booked their next get away, be that a family beach holiday or a city escape, with the knowledge that should their travel provider go into administration they will be financially protected by ATOL.

“Before you make that decision, use our Check an ATOL tool, to make sure the holiday provider you are using holds an ATOL licence, and you have considered purchasing an ATOL protected holiday."