Thomas Cook collapses: How it's affecting us in Sussex

Monday, 23 September 2019 16:48

With the collapse of Thomas Cook this morning (Monday, 23), an estimated 150,000 holidaymakers are stranded abroad, while around 9,000 in the UK are at risk, including in Sussex. The 178-year-old travel agent has ceased trading with immediate effect following a failed last-gasp plea to its lenders to reduce a £200m funding demand. Gatwick Airport is warning anyone planning to travel with the airline today not to head to the airport today, but instead to check with the Civil Aviation Authority page.

Thomas Cook has stopped trading and all flights from the UK are cancelled. Please do not come to Gatwick if you are due to fly with Thomas Cook. Check https://t.co/TL051MT65L for advice and information.

— Gatwick Airport LGW (@Gatwick_Airport) September 23, 2019 Southern Rail has said anyone with a cancelled flight planning to travel by rail will have a full refund, with no admin charge.

Following the collapse of #ThomasCook we want to support those impacted who may already have plans to travel to or from @LDNLutonAirport or @Gatwick_Airport. If you have bought rail tickets from us & no longer travelling, you'll be able to get a full refund (with no admin fee).

— Southern (@SouthernRailUK) September 23, 2019 Many people locally have been offering their support to those affected:

To all Thomas Cook staff in Kent/Surrey/Sussex I have 1 job available, It’s a driving job hours can be long but the money can be good and is paid weekly, Just a driving licence is needed, I don’t mind if you use it as a temporary job! Please DM me. #ThomasCook 💛

— Jake (@jakelewisf1) September 23, 2019

Always had superb service from Thomas Cook staff in our local Eastbourne branch. Feeling desperately sorry for them.

— Matt (@runner_teacher) September 23, 2019 If you're from Sussex and have been affected by the collapse, please send your videos and pictures to news@mediasoundholdings.co.uk