Holiday fares to rise as Thomas Cook closes

The closure of tour operator Thomas Cook’s Irish operation is likely to lead to higher prices for holidaymakers.

The firm, Europe’s second largest tour operator, is to end its Irish operation at the end of May with the expected loss of 44 jobs.

Industry insiders have estimated that this will result in the loss of between 60,000 to 80,000 charter seats, which could drive prices for consumers up.