ORLANDO, Fla. — Thousands of passengers of one major airline are left in the lurch Monday after the operator abruptly shutdown.
- Thomas Cook Airlines cancels flights worldwide
- Thousands of travelers left stranded
- Negotiations failed with British tour operator
For decades, Thomas Cook Airlines has ferried travelers all over the globe, including to Central Florida. Of the 75 million tourists who visited Orlando last year, a core of those travelers -- over a million -- come from the U.K., according to Visit Orlando.
Orlando International Airport says Thomas Cook had 41 flight operations scheduled between September 24 and October 12 that have since been canceled.
But now the British tour operator has ceased trading as negotiations failed. All holidays and flights have been canceled as the company enters into compulsory liquidation.
In response, the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority launched a repatriation program, trying to get stranded travelers home.
“When people get to the end of their holiday, they will be brought back to the U.K.," explained Tim Johnson, the Aviation Authority's Policy Director, continuing, "We are bringing back about 150,000 back to the UK, we've chartered over 40 planes, and we're going to be running up to 1,000 flights over the next two weeks."
Thomas Cook Airline's Chief Executive, Peter Fankhauser, released a statement, calling it a "sad day" for the company:
“We have worked exhaustively in the past few days to resolve the outstanding issues on an agreement to secure Thomas Cook’s future for its employees, customers and suppliers … It is a matter of profound regret to me and the rest of the board that we were not successful.”
Stranded in Orlando? Repatriation flights scheduled
Orlando International Airport says the British government has contracted with several United Kingdom air carriers to get passengers stranded by the collapse of Thomas Cook home.
Repatriation flights will be operating until October 6. The British Consulate is helping with the effort at MCO.
Two relief flights were scheduled for Monday evening. In addition, Spectrum News's Asher Wildman says another 25 travelers are waiting to get onto a flight.
British citizens who need help can call +44-1753-330-330, or visit a special website set up by the British Consulate.
Depending on the season, Thomas Cook operated as many as 16 flights a week at MCO, to Manchester, London/Gatwick and Glasgow, Scotland airports.
If you're one of the travelers stranded in Central Florida due to the airline's collapse and you'd like to share your experience, please reach out to Julie Gargotta: julie.gargotta@charter.com.