Thomas Cook announced it had ceased trading today, leaving 150,000 British holidaymakers stranded abroad. In light of the mass flights and holiday cancellation, TUI fellow tour operator TUI has issued a travel warning to its UK customers. Thomas Cook and TUI are separate companies but a select number of TUI holidays use Thomas Cook flights. TUI also sell a small number of Thomas Cook holidays through their stores. This is the latest travel advice.
TUI has issued a statement to their customers today announcing that they are working alongside the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to assist affected Britons.
The CAA has said they will do “everything [they] can to support passengers due to fly back to the UK with Thomas Cook between 23 September 2019 and 6 October 2019.”
Travellers on a TUI, Marella Cruises or First Choice holiday could be impacted by the tour operator’s demise.
TUI said: “The CAA will now be responsible for operating relief flights to repatriate customers currently on holiday whose flights have been cancelled as close to their original departure time as possible.
“We will be offering any necessary support where we can. If you are currently on a TUI, Marella Cruises or First Choice holiday and were due to return home on a Thomas Cook flight, please visit thomascook.caa.co.uk for the relevant and up to date information for your new travel plans.
“As more information becomes available our teams in resort will be in touch to update you, however, customers should continue to enjoy their holidays.
“Customers on holiday can also contact the dedicated 24-hour helpline: +44 1753 330 330 from overseas.”
TUI have cancelled TUI, Marella Cruises and First Choice bookings featuring Thomas Cook flights for any customers due to travel from today (Monday 23 September) until 31 October.
Travellers are advised not to travel to the airport until new flight details are confirmed.
Affected holidaymakers will be refunded. “We will be organising full holiday refunds for these customers and will process these as quickly as possible,” said TUI.
“For any TUI, Marella Cruises and First Choice customers with Thomas Cook flights due to travel after this date, please bear with us as we look at other options and alternatives for you as a priority.”
However, those who have booked a TUI holiday through a Thomas Cook store will not be affected as these trips will go ahead.
TUI concluded: “Our customer helpline for anyone affected is available on 0800 009 3833 or 0203 636 1994 from 08.00. As this is an evolving situation as soon as we have more information during the course of today we will share updates.”
Repatriation flights for Thomas Cook customers will only be provided for the next two weeks. Holidaymakers due to travel after 6 October will have to make their own travel arrangements.
However, if you are ATOL protected you will be reimbursed for the cost of your new flight.
Martin Lewis has explained his travel advice to Britons affected by the Thomas Cook news.