Governments, airlines and insurance companies have come together to launch a massive rescue mission of the thousands of travellers left stranded by the collapse of British travel giant, Thomas Cook.
Operation Matterhorn went into action moments after the world’s oldest travel agency, Thomas Cook, entered administration, and all its operations (including hotels, airlines, cruises and more) shut down.
According to the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority, some 600,000 holidaymakers could be affected by the 178-year-old company’s demise, including 150,000 Brits.
While administrators focus on finances, the British government has stepped in with its largest travel recovery effort, ‘Operation Matterhorn’, in the hopes of minimising the public impact.
The operation, which could cost the government some £600 million, will take up to two weeks to complete and aims to provide travellers with flights as close to their original plans as possible.
Image: Thomas Cook UK/Facebook
In order to complete the task, British leaders will charter aircraft to replace cancelled Thomas Cook flights. They’ll also partner with other airlines to rebook affected passengers on existing flights.
Among the airlines asked to lend a ‘helping wing’ is Australia’s very own Qantas which, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, is assessing what type of aid it can provide.
“We have been approached for support and we’re assessing what help we may be able to provide.”
Qantas Spokesperson
Unlike their European counterparts, Australian travellers aren’t expected to be affected by the fall of Thomas Cook thanks to the company’s withdrawal from the market earlier this year.
Insurance providers say they aren’t anticipating a significant number of inquiries. However, those who do need assistance are being encouraged to contact their tour companies first to determine whether rescheduling or reimbursement is available.
Click here for the latest information on Thomas Cook’s collapse and for support.
See below for our post yesterday and the many supportive comments from the industry.