Posted on May 30, 2008 by Fiona Hilliard

It is feared that up to 10,000 passengers have been disrupted by Silverjet closing its operations this morning.

The Civil Aviation Authority believes that 7,000 UK and 2,500 overseas passengers have bookings with the business class airline. 

The CAA today issued the following advice to passengers due to travel with the airline to Newark or Dubai:

· Those with flights booked only have been told to make alternative arrangements with other airlines.
· Passengers who booked flights with a credit card are advised to contact their credit card company.
· Customers who paid for their tickets using a debit or charge card are advised to contact their credit card company or check any travel insurance policy taken out about any airline insolvency cover that may be provided.

Passengers of Silverjet flights who booked with chauffeur drive or valet parking, or Silverjet flights booked through travel agents are protected under an ATOL licence.
Meanwhile, customers due to fly back to London from New York or Dubai are to advised to make their own flight arrangements with other carriers and apply to the CAA for reimbursemnt of the cost.
Customers who have advance flights and chauffeur drive or valet parking made direct or through a travel agent should make a claim from ATOL by contacting the CAA.
Customers who booked direct with Silverjet and paid by American Express card should contact American Express.  Anyone who has made payments to travel agents should make a claim through ATOL.

Passengers from outside of the UK are advised to contact their home country’s aviation/consumer protection agency or their credit card company for advice and information about whether they care able to obtain refunds or assistance. 

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are currently offering special rates to Silverjet ticketholders.