Cancelled flight - who pays for repatriation flight?

chrism741

I was trekking in Nepal in early March.  My return flight on Air India was due to depart Kathmandu on 24th March but it was cancelled by the Airline on 20th.  Our travel firm arranged a flight on Etihad avoiding Indian airspace, which was closed, departing 22nd March.  The Etihad flight was paid for by the travel firm.

So far, we have had nothing back from Air India.  The travel firm wants me to pay the full cost of the Etihad flight (£780).

Just to make life more complicated, the travel firm made the Air India booking via another, completely separate company, but which is also based in the U.K.

My travel insurance will cover the cost of the Etihad flight, less the Air India refund, once the amount of the refund is known.

This trip was expensive (nearly £4K), it was cut short but there have been no refunds from cancelled hotels, and I don’t have a spare £780 to pay the flight cost.  I had expected the Air India refund to go to the travel company and for me to pay the balance from my insurance claim.

sorry this is so complicated but what are my rights and obligations in this situation?

Thank you for any help.

Karen