In a sudden and unexpected move, Balkan Holidays—one of the UK’s most established holiday providers—has ceased its UK operations, cancelling all forward bookings and ending a near 60-year run in the British travel industry.
The announcement, made on 24 April 2025, has left thousands of British holidaymakers shocked and disappointed. The company, which began its journey in 1966, was known for offering affordable holiday packages to destinations such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Malta, and northern Cyprus. It also catered to ski holiday enthusiasts during the winter months. At its peak, Balkan Holidays served over 130,000 travellers annually, with departures from 17 airports across the UK.
Although the company remains solvent, it has halted trading in the UK market. In an official statement posted online, Balkan Holidays explained: “We regret to inform you that Balkan Holidays Ltd. has, as of 24th April 2025, closed for business in the UK. Clients currently on holiday will be unaffected. However, all forward holiday bookings have been cancelled. All clients will be notified and refunded in full.”
The company further appealed for patience as they work through the refund process, which they plan to manage in order of scheduled departure dates.
Travellers React with Anguish
The closure has understandably triggered a wave of frustration and concern among customers, many of whom had upcoming holidays booked. Several affected travellers turned to social media to express their dismay.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote: “Absolutely devastated—we were going in 36 days! How are we supposed to book anywhere else at such short notice?” Another user added: “This is a disgrace. We were flying with you in six weeks. Unless we get a refund this week, we can’t afford to book anywhere else.”
The scale of the fallout is significant. As of March 2026, Balkan Holidays held an ATOL (Air Travel Organiser’s Licence) protecting 27,817 passenger trips. This means affected customers should be eligible for full refunds under the UK’s travel protection scheme.
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A Competitive Market
Alexander Stoyanov, Managing Director of Balkan Holidays UK, commented on the reasons behind the closure. “It has become increasingly difficult to be competitive and profitable in the UK travel market,” he said. “Despite our best efforts, operating costs and market pressures have made it unsustainable to continue. That said, I want to reassure customers that nobody will be left out of pocket.”
The company’s decision to pull out of the UK does not appear to stem from insolvency. Instead, it reflects a strategic withdrawal due to challenging economic conditions, rising costs, and perhaps intensified competition in the budget travel segment.
Refunds and Next Steps
Customers who booked through travel agents have been advised to contact their agent directly for refunds. Those who booked with Balkan Holidays online are encouraged to await direct communication from the company, which has assured customers that the refund process is underway.
The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), which oversees the ATOL scheme, has not yet issued a separate statement but is expected to work with the company to ensure travellers receive due compensation.
While those currently abroad on Balkan Holidays packages can continue their travels uninterrupted, future holiday plans for many families have been thrown into disarray just weeks before the peak summer season begins.
The End of an Era
Balkan Holidays’ exit marks the end of a legacy for British sun-seekers and winter sports enthusiasts who, for decades, trusted the company with their travel plans. For many, it was their first experience of European travel, with memories rooted in budget-friendly trips to Bulgaria’s beaches or ski slopes.
Its closure serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of even long-standing businesses in a volatile and competitive travel industry. As travellers scramble to find alternatives, many will reflect on the nostalgia of a brand that was once a household name in British holidaymaking.
Though the firm assures full refunds, the disruption and uncertainty caused by the sudden closure have left a lasting impact on the thousands who were looking forward to their well-earned breaks.
