Britons are still reluctant to fly abroad for their holidays following the events of September 11, official figures have indicated.

Figures from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) show that sales of holidays involving air travel in summer 2002 were lower than the previous year.

It was the only drop in summer sales since the Gulf War in 1991.

The Civil Aviation Authority said economic worries could also be affecting sales for this season, with bookings for this winter down on last year.

Holiday costs

The CAA said sales of holidays protected by the Atol air operators' licence system fell by 6.3% to 17.7 million in summer 2002, compared with 18.8 million in summer last year.

Holidays were also more expensive, with the average holiday price rising by 6.1%.

Helen Simpson, director of Consumer Protection at the CAA, said: "The fall in volume probably reflected both the UK economy and some impact on confidence after 11 September.

"However tour operators cut programmes to avoid selling excess capacity and prices held firm."

Split contracts

The CAA has asked the government to change legal rules, which would close a loophole that allows some companies to sell holidays without holding a licence.

The loophole known as "split contracts" can occur when separate accommodation and air deals are sold together as packages.

While a holidaymaker may believe the holiday is protected, individual components of the holiday may not be covered by the scheme.

For example, they may be compensated if the airline folds, but not covered for their accommodation.