Balkan Holidays Ceases Trading, Jet2 Unveils Relief Deal

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Jet2 has announced a £100 discount on Bulgarian holidays to support travelers impacted by the abrupt closure of Balkan Holidays, a move aimed at easing the transition for those scrambling to salvage their vacation plans.

The offer, available to myJet2 account holders, extends to summer 2025 getaways with a £90 reduction for non-members, and can be combined with existing promotions like Free Child Place Holidays.

Balkan Holidays, a pioneering operator specializing in the Balkan region since 1966, ceased all UK operations without warning on April 24, 2025, leaving thousands of forward bookings canceled. The company, which once served over 130,000 travelers annually from 17 UK airports, emphasized that clients currently abroad would face no disruptions, though all future trips were axed.

A spokesperson stated: “We regret to inform you that Balkan Holidays Ltd has, as of 24th of April 2025, closed for business in the UK. Clients currently on holiday will be unaffected.” They added: “The company remains solvent, but has ceased trading, however all forward holiday bookings have been cancelled.” The announcement triggered an outcry on social media, with one traveler lamenting their trip’s cancellation just 36 days before departure.

Jet2holidays CEO Steve Heapy remarked: “The closure of Balkan Holidays is very sad news indeed, and our thoughts are with everyone who is impacted.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to simplifying rebookings, stating: “We know there are many customers wanting to enjoy their well-deserved holidays to the Bulgarian sunshine, so we are making it easier for them by offering them money off, as well as a simple and easy way to book.”

Balkan Holidays, which held an Atol licence protecting nearly 28,000 trips through March 2026, cited insurmountable market challenges as the reason for its collapse. Managing director Alexander Stoyanov acknowledged the difficulty of remaining competitive, but assured customers that refunds would be processed in departure-date order, with “nobody left out of pocket.”

EasyJet holidays has also stepped in, offering a £50-per-person discount for affected travelers who rebook seven-night breaks through their platform. The gesture, available until May 31, requires submitting proof of Balkan Holidays bookings, with refunds prioritized within 14 days of claim submission.

The operator’s closure marks the end of a 59-year legacy, leaving a void in specialized Balkan travel services once spanning Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Malta, and Northern Cyprus.** Social media users expressed frustration over last-minute cancellations, with one traveler branding the situation a “disgrace” due to the financial strain of rebooking within weeks.