Stranded holidaymakers who are seeking compensation from Jet2.com are still waiting to find out if they will receive pay-outs to cover the cost of extra accommodation and food.

The budget airline, based at Leeds- Bradford International Airport, is yet to clarify its stance over compensation for passengers whose flights were cancelled due to the volcanic ash crisis.

But Jet2 pointed out that it had done more than any other airline to bring home passengers as quickly as possible, including bussing customers back to Leeds-Bradford and other airports from resorts in Portugal, Spain and France.

Philip Meeson, boss of Jet2.com, said: “Jet2.com’s immediate response has been to concentrate on getting our passengers home as quickly as possible. We have invested over £3 million in a widescale repatriation programme that has brought thousands of people back to the UK by land and sea.

“This includes the deployment of over 160 coaches and two ferries to rescue passengers stranded in Europe. We believe we are the only airline to have taken this extensive approach.

“We will consider further options for passenger claims as the situation becomes clearer over the coming weeks.”

Jet2.com was responding to claims in a national newspaper that it had “snubbed” compensation claims in defiance of EU rules.

EU laws insist travel firms must pay the accommodation and food of those on cancelled flights.

Last week, Ryanair agreed to pay in the face of mounting public anger.

Jet2.com initially enjoyed good publicity for its efforts to bring customers home, with many complimenting the company on its decision as they arrived back at Leeds Bradford by bus.

The majority of British air passengers stranded overseas by the volcanic ash cloud are thought to have made it home, the Association of British Travel Agents said.

But, according to industry figures compiled by travel journalist Simon Calder at the weekend, there were still 10,000 passengers stranded in Egypt, 9,000 in Florida, 5,000 in South Africa, 4,000 in California, 2,500 in Thailand, and 2,000 in Malaysia.

Meanwhile, bosses of a Bradford secondary school have apologised to parents and pupils after the school had to partially close last week due to 23 members of staff being trapped abroad.

A message on the Tong High School website said: “The head and governors wish to apologise for the inconvenience.”