Saturday, July 20, 2024 British tourists visiting the continent this weekend are facing significant disruptions due to the ongoing fallout from yesterday’s global IT outage. Huge queues have formed at the Port of Dover, compounding the travel chaos. Flight delays and cancellations are expected to persist following yesterday’s IT issues, with experts warning that it could take weeks for systems to fully recover.
Some travelers currently stranded abroad have been informed they may not return until Wednesday, according to the Daily Mail. The disruption has affected around 50,000 flights to, from, or within the UK. The warning comes as thousands of families embark on their summer holidays, coinciding with the end of the academic year for schools across the UK.
The travel association Abta has urged holidaymakers to check with providers for any additional steps they might need to take. A spokesperson for Abta stated, “We’re at the start of one of the busiest periods of travel, with some schools finishing for the summer yesterday and many more next week. Many people will be jetting off abroad – looking to escape the UK’s unseasonable weather of late.
With Spain, Turkey, and Greece among the popular destinations for an overseas trip. If you are heading off on holiday this weekend – by whatever means – it’s advisable to check with your travel provider if there are any extra steps you need to take, as some businesses are continuing to feel the impact of Friday’s IT .