BABE OF THE DAY

GROUNDED: Empty jet at Luton Airport THOUSANDS of holidaymakers are being airlifted home in a giant rescue following the collapse of travel firm Monarch.

Nearly 12,000 passengers were flown back to the UK in a day – less than 24 hours after the 50-year-old company went bust with the loss of 2,000 jobs.

Civil Aviation Authority chief executive Andrew Haines said the “mammoth operation” has “got off to a good start”.

While those already abroad await news of alternative flights home, a further three-quarters of a million people who held future bookings with the firm have had their travel plans cancelled.

Many passengers turned up at airports on Monday morning, only to find their flights were not taking off.

Couples had wedding plans thrown into chaos as they struggled to find flights with other airlines for them and their guests.

Many travellers are in sunshine destinations in Spain and Portugal such as Costa del Sol, the Algarve and the Canary Islands.

Mr Haines added the CAA was notified by Monarch four-and-ahalf weeks ago that ‘there were issues they were dealing with’ and he understood the firm’s board decided to go into administration close to midnight on Saturday.

Monarch was still advertising flights on its website on Sunday, meaning passengers may have booked trips even after bosses decided it would stop trading.

Customers who’ve not yet flown will receive a full refund if their booking was ATOL-protected.

Others could seek compensation through their travel insurance or credit card company.