Thomas Cook collapse leaving tens of thousands of holidaymakers stranded
CAA now launches biggest repatriation operation to bring them home
Last updated 23rd Sep 2019
The worst fears about the future of Thomas Cook, the UK’s oldest holiday company, were confirmed overnight as the firm collapsed into compulsory liquidation.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) said it has launched Britain's largest peacetime repatriation - Operation Matterhorn - to bring home stranded Thomas Cook passengers – a number of who will be from Northern Ireland.
It is understood around 150,000 passengers are currently on holiday.
In addition, the jobs of more than 21,000 workers (9,000 throughout the UK) employed by Thomas Cook across 16 countries are now in jeopardy.
The first of the flights, as part of the repatriation operation, were scheduled to arrive tonight (Monday) at Belfast International Airport with another two expected to arrive tomorrow morning.
A number of local holidaymakers are among the thousands affected by the announcement.
Among them is Bangor woman Frankie Craig who had booked a holiday for next year.
"Me and my friend Emma were due to fly out to Salou on the 19th of May next year with our kids but obviously with the news this morning," he said,
"We are devastated – as our our kids – they’ve been crying all morning. They didn’t even want to go to school."
In a statement, the CAA said: “Thomas Cook Group, including the UK tour operator and airline, has ceased trading with immediate effect.
“All Thomas Cook bookings, including flights and holidays, have now been cancelled.''
Thomas Cook's chief executive Peter Fankhauser said his company had worked exhaustively'' to salvage a rescue package.
He said: “This is a statement I hoped I would never have to make.''
“Following a decision by the board late last night, the UK Government's official receiver was appointed in the early hours of this morning, the 23rd of September, to take control of Thomas Cook.
“Despite huge efforts over a number of months and further intense negotiations in recent days, we have not been able to secure a deal to save our business.
“I know that this outcome will be devastating to many people and will cause a lot of anxiety, stress and disruption.''
“I would like to apologise to our millions of customers, and thousands of employees, suppliers and partners who have supported us for many years.
“This marks a deeply sad day for the company which pioneered package holidays and made travel possible for millions of people around the world.''
Meanwhile, customers on holiday should go to the website - [https://thomascook.caa.co.uk](https://thomascook.caa.co.uk)
Those away with Thomas Cook at the minute are advised not to travel to the airport.
They should instead go on to a special website to look for details of their replacement flights