Thomas Cook collapse: Operation Matterhorn swings into action

• UK Civil Aviation Authority launched largest peacetime repatriation on 23 September 2019 to bring more than 150,000 people back to the UK
• Yesterday, 64 flights operated to bring back more than 14,700 passengers
• This means that over 95 per cent of all those due to return yesterday were repatriated by the CAA
• 74 flights scheduled to operate today, to bring back a further 16,500
• Information on rescue fares available for passengers departing the UK are available on thomascook.caa.co.uk
• Flying programme continues until Sunday 6 October with more than 1000 flights planned

The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) flying programme completed 64 flights on the first day of operation, returning the first 14,700 people to the UK.  Thomas Cook customers are reminded to check the dedicated website for further information – thomascook.caa.co.uk   

With 13 days remaining and approximately 135,300 passengers still to bring back to the UK, we are working around the clock, in conjunction with the Government and the aviation industry, to deliver the flying programme after Thomas Cook ceased trading.

On Tuesday 24 September, day two of the flying programme, we plan to operate a further 74 flights, with seats for more than 16,800 people to travel back to the UK.

Passengers in North American destinations are advised to check thomascook.caa.co.uk for details of how to contact British Airways or Virgin Atlantic who will book you a new seat on one of their flights.

Flying programme information:

Statistics	Day 1, 23/9/19	Totals to date
Flights completed	64	64
Passengers back in the UK	14,700	14,700
Unique visitors to dedicated site	1,825,166	1,825,166
Page views on dedicated site	6,845,009	6,845,009

Richard Moriarty, Chief Executive at the Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Following the very sad news yesterday morning that Thomas Cook had stopped trading and its aircraft were grounded, we launched at the Government’s request our operation to return more than 100,000 people to the UK.  

“A repatriation of this scale and nature is unprecedented and unfortunately there will be some inconvenience and disruption for customers. We will do everything we can to minimise this as the operation continues.

“However, I am pleased to report that on day one we brought home over 95 per cent of people who were originally due back on this day with Thomas Cook; 14,700 people in total.  We want people to continue to enjoy their holiday, so we will bring them back to the UK on their original departure day, or very soon thereafter.”