A week on from the airline and operator’s collapse, 404 flights have operated bringing home almost 80,000 people.

In week two, the CAA will operate a further 300 flights and passengers are being advised to check the website monarch.caa.co.uk to confirm the time of their flights at least 24 hours in advance.

In order to process an estimated 32,000 claims for future bookings, the CAA has instructed a number of professional handling agencies to “ensure all claims are managed effectively and refunds issued speedily”.

All of Monarch’s Atol protected package customers, or their travel agent, will receive by email a claim form from the CAA by Wednesday October 11, the CAA said.

The organisation expects most “legitimate claims” to be processed within 28 days of receipt. If additional information is required this may take a little longer, it advised.

The CAA said all refunds to Monarch’s Atol protected customers will be paid by the Air Travel Trust and other Atol protected customers, who booked with a tour operator or travel agent, other than

directly with Monarch, should speak to their Atol holder directly.

“These customers may be able to get a refund or be offered an alternative flight or holiday”, the CAA said in a statement.

Andrew Haines, chief executive of the CAA, said: “By streamlining our processes and using experienced handlers, we aim to ensure claims are managed effectively and customers receive their refunds as quickly as possible.”

“As we move into week two, the flying programme will present new challenges as we combine passengers from a number of smaller flights onto one larger plane.

“This will undoubtedly lead to some people needing to arrive at the airport earlier than planned."