The Supreme Court has decided not to hear the Civil Aviation Authority’s appeal in the case against Travel Republic.
In a statement, the CAA said it was disappointed that the court was not prepared to consider the case. It is now urging the government to move quickly to reform the Atol scheme.
Director of consumer protection Richard Jackson said: “Today’s decision means that much-needed clarity will not be provided through the courts, making it more urgent to push ahead to reform the scheme, ensuring that people receive the protection they expect, and often incorrectly believe they are receiving.”
The CAA began legal action against the online travel agency last year over an alleged breach of Atol regulations. Travel Republic was cleared by the Westminster Magistrates Court, and later by the high court.
Travel Republic director Kane Pirie said he was “over the moon” that the dispute was over.
He said: “We are delighted this over-extended dispute has, at last, been brought to a juddering halt by the Supreme Court. The robust and unequivocal High Court decision earlier this year now offers the industry and its regulator undeniable clarity as to how to properly interpret the Atol regulations and we trust it will be welcomed as such.
“The last three years have not been easy but we have been rewarded with total vindication in every court. We are simply over the moon that we can now focus our attentions 100% on Travel Republic’s loyal and growing customer base.”
The authority dropped its case against Pirie earlier this year.