Thomas Cook Airlines
A former British leisure airline that operated scheduled holiday flights from the United Kingdom to popular European and long-haul destinations before ceasing operations in 2019.
About Thomas Cook Airlines
Thomas Cook Airlines was a British leisure carrier within the Thomas Cook Group, despite some historical listings associating the wider brand with Belgium. The airline traced its modern identity to JMC Air, which was renamed Thomas Cook Airlines in 2003, and later incorporated the operations of MyTravel Airways. It used the IATA code MT and ICAO code TCX until operations ended on 23 September 2019 following the collapse of its parent company.
Manchester Airport was the airline’s principal base, supported by substantial operations from London Gatwick, Birmingham and several other British airports. Its network was designed primarily around holiday demand, linking the United Kingdom with Mediterranean resorts, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Mexico, North America and selected destinations in Africa and Asia. Services varied significantly by season and departure airport.
The fleet included Airbus A321 narrow-body aircraft for short- and medium-haul services and Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft for longer routes. Earlier operations also used Boeing 757 and Boeing 767 aircraft. Cabin products differed by aircraft and route, with standard economy seating across the network and a premium cabin offered on many long-haul flights. Catering, baggage and seat selection often depended on the fare or holiday package booked.
Thomas Cook Airlines did not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld. It also did not operate a conventional global frequent-flyer programme comparable with those of major network airlines. The carrier instead concentrated on leisure travel, package-holiday customers and direct services from regional British airports, while working alongside other airlines carrying the Thomas Cook name in continental Europe.
A notable strength was its broad selection of nonstop leisure routes from airports outside London, which reduced the need for many travellers to make connecting journeys. However, schedules were often seasonal and service inclusions varied by fare. The airline is now defunct, so its former website, timetables and ticket conditions should be treated as historical information rather than options for current travel.
Good to know
Flying with Thomas Cook Airlines — what to expect
Airline No Longer Operating
Thomas Cook Airlines ceased operations in September 2019. Tickets for current flights are not sold under its former MT airline code.
Leisure-Focused Network
The airline primarily served holiday destinations, with many routes operating only during peak summer or winter seasons. Frequencies could vary considerably by departure airport.
Regional UK Departures
Manchester was its main base, while Birmingham, London Gatwick and other British airports also supported important services. This gave many holidaymakers nonstop options without travelling through London.
Fare Inclusions Varied
Checked baggage, meals and advance seat selection were not identical across every booking. Inclusions often depended on whether travel was purchased as a flight-only fare or within a package holiday.
Long-Haul Premium Cabin
Premium seating was available on many Airbus A330 long-haul services, but the product varied over time. Travellers researching historical bookings should consult documents issued for the specific flight.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Thomas Cook Airlines
Notable destinations on Thomas Cook Airlines's network.
MTAntalyadirectMTCancúndirectMTTenerifedirectMTPalma de MallorcadirectMTLarnacadirectMTOrlandodirectMTLas VegasdirectMTNew YorkdirectMTPunta CanadirectMTMontego BaydirectMTCape TowndirectMTDalamandirectDestination list is indicative of Thomas Cook Airlines's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
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FAQ
Thomas Cook Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- There is no current carry-on allowance because Thomas Cook Airlines no longer operates. Historical limits varied by fare and period, so old booking documents are more reliable than archived general guidance.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. Because Thomas Cook Airlines is defunct, searches will instead surface available flights from operating carriers where relevant.
- Manchester Airport was Thomas Cook Airlines's principal hub. The carrier also maintained significant operations at London Gatwick and Birmingham before it ceased flying in 2019.
- The airline operated several long-haul routes from the United Kingdom, including services to Cape Town and destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and the United States. Its longest route varied by timetable, and there is no current route because operations ended in 2019.
- Thomas Cook Airlines tickets are no longer available. Historically, prices depended heavily on school holidays, seasonal demand and package availability, with off-peak departures often costing less.
- It currently serves no destinations because the airline is defunct. The size of its historical network changed by season and year, so a single destination total would not accurately describe every operating period.
- Thomas Cook Airlines no longer flies because it ceased operations in September 2019. Its former network covered Mediterranean resorts, the Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Mexico, North America, Africa and selected Asian holiday destinations.
- Historically, Manchester was its leading departure airport, with London Gatwick and Birmingham also serving as major bases. The airline additionally operated seasonal flights from several regional airports across the United Kingdom.