Thomas Cook LIVE updates – 150,000 holidaymakers are left stranded abroad

AROUND 150,000 holidaymakers have been left stranded abroad after Thomas Cook collapsed, causing chaos at airports across the globe.

The travel firm ceased trading with immediate effect this morning after last-minute negotiations failed, cancelling all future holidays and flights.

For all the latest news and announcements, keep updated with our Thomas Cook live blog.

• MAYOR OF GREATER MANCHESTER OFFERS A HAND

  The Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham has offered a hand to all the Thomas Cook customers stranded abroad.

  He said in a tweet: ” My heart goes out to everyone affected by the collapse of Thomas Cook. Our team at GMCA are working hard to put in place support & advice for staff at risk. We will issue further details later today.”

• A SORRY SIGHT FOR MANY

• THOMAS COOK CUSTOMER'S WEDDING IN TATTERS

  One Thomas Cook customer has revealed her plans to fly out to Cyprus to get married have been ruined.

  Ruth Morse was due to get married in Cyprus on the beachfront in October.

  She said:“I’m devastated. We’ve been planning this for two years, since my brother was murdered.”

• FIRST RESCUE FLIGHT TAKES OFF

  The first rescue flight as part of Operation Matterhorn has lifted off from New York’s Matterhorn Airport carrying “over 300 passengers”.

  The CAA said:“The first Civil Aviation Authority repatriation flight has now left JFK, headed for Manchester with over 300 passengers on board.

  “It is estimated to arrive at 5PM today.”

• THOMAS COOK CHIEF APOLOGISES

  The chief executive of Thomas Cook has apologised for the first time since the firm's collapse.

  Peter Fankhauser, pictured, apologised to “millions of customers and thousands of employees” and called it a “matter of profound regret”.

  

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