Stranded Thomas Cook Passengers

[Impret-Sir]

When a travel company goes bust, I never understand why the government looks around and books seats on loads of different airlines to bring holiday makers home, why not just use the aircraft and crews of the company themselves? Surely that would at worst cost just the same, and might even save some money.

[Buenchico]

The aircraft either belong to the company's administrators (or receivers) or to the firm which the bankrupt company was leasing them from, neither of which will have the relevant licences and permits to operate them with passengers on board.

Further, in some cases the airports where those aircraft are currently located will have the right to prevent them from taking off until the receiver/administrator has dealt with any unpaid landing fees or fuel bills. That could take many months.

[237SJ]

They won't have a licence to operate (or insurance)

[fiction-factory]

and the crews haven't been paid and may want assurances about owed money before they agree to work temporarily for the govt. the govt would have to draw up short term employee contracts