Hundreds of Irish holidaymakers were today left stranded overseas after the collapse of one of Britain's largest tour operators.

Ryanair, today called for the dismissal of the Aviation Regulator following yesterday’s disclosure that yet another travel agent/tour operator (Ronane Travel/Great Escapes), licensed by the Aviation Regulator, has ceased trading, stranding hundreds of Irish passengers overseas.

A third travel company has gone bust this summer with up to 500 people set to lose their holidays, it was revealed today.