"We are doing our best to minimise the impact on passengers, but we do expect there to be significant disruption and delays to travel plans," the watchdog said on a dedicated website that offers advice and guaidance to those affected.

For those currently abroad and yet to fly back to the UK with Thomas Cook, British authorities are arranging alternative flights over the next two weeks, as close to original return date as possible.

For those Thomas Cook clients who have a future booking and have not traveled yet the advice is simple: DO NOT go to the airport, as most holidays and flights booked with agent are now cancelled.

There could be a few exception for those who booked a holiday package through Thomas Cook but whose flights are with a 3rd party airline: Their flights may not be affected, but that would be on traveller's own risk as other elements of the package – such as accommodation and transfers – will be affected.

The challenging task to help all British citizens return home is challenging and has been called “the biggest peacetime repatriation in UK history” by the transport secretary, Grant Shapps.

Think your friends would be interested? Share this story!