The U.K. government and the CAA kicked off “Operation Matterhorn” to bring back vacationers due to fly back to the U.K. with Thomas Cook between Sept. 23 and October 6, according to the authority’s website. Depending on the location of the tourists, the new flight arrangements will be on either CAA-operated flights or existing flights with other airlines, it said.
“The repatriation is hugely complex and we are working around the clock to support passengers,” CAA said.
After Oct. 6, travelers will need to make their own arrangements, according to the CAA. The repatriation flights are only for passengers whose trips started in the U.K. It urged travelers with booked vacations -- who have not departed -- not to commence travel.
Many tourists expressed frustration with the lack of details on social media. While others who had booked paid-up Thomas Cook holidays were mulling any recourse.
Tourists who have booked holiday packages with travel firms licensed in the U.K. are eligible for a full refund under the U.K.’s aviation travel protection regulation, according to the CAA.
The conversation on social media also turned to the tour operator’s employees whose jobs are at risk. Thomas Cook had an average of 21,263 employees last year, down by about a third from six years ago.
“Our phone lines are extremely busy this morning and we are doing our best to answer all of your queries,” travel insurer Holidaysafe said in a tweet. It offered advice on its website outlining recourse for Thomas Cook customers.
--With assistance from Kristine Servando.
This article was provided by Bloomberg News.