The operator had previously decided to cancel all bookings to the Red Sea resort until May 25, but has now wiped out the whole summer season, saying it will not return until November 1 at the earliest.

Cook said it had taken the decision following “no change” to Foreign Office advice with regards to travelling through the resort’s airport, from which a Russian charter flight was bombed in October last year.

“In light of this, and given that we have no clear indication as to when the FCO travel advice may change, Thomas Cook can confirm that it has taken the decision to cancel all bookings to Sharm el Sheikh up to and including Monday October 31, 2016,” it said.

Customers who were due to travel up to and including Monday October 31, 2016 can cancel or amend their holiday to another destination free of charge.

Customers who wish to rebook an alternative summer 2016 holiday are being offered free amendments to an alternative Cook holiday, paying only any difference in price.

Customers booking a new holiday departing before October 31, 2016 will be offered a £30pp discount regardless of whether the alternative is cheaper or more expensive.  

Cook will contact customers individually, prioritising those due to travel soonest. It has increased staff in its contact centre to cope with the expected volume of calls.

A dedicated line for travel agent enquiries has also been set up, open from 8.30 am to 7pm (10-5pm Sunday) on 01733 224 520.