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 outage.” Photos from the Port of Dover show massive lines of cars stretching back along the motorway, highlighting the extent of the disruption.
A spokesperson for the port mentioned that it was dealing with “hundreds of displaced” airport passengers and urged customers to ensure they had a booking before arriving. The port also posted on social media platform X, stating that approach roads were “slow moving,” with a 60-minute wait time in the buffer zone. Ferry operator DFDS reported wait times of up to two hours at Dover border controls and 30 minutes at check-in.
Dover MP Mike Tapp warned on X, “Airport issues are having an impact on Dover Port.” Travelers are advised to stay informed by regularly checking updates from their travel providers and planning for potential delays. With the combination of IT outages and high travel volumes, ensuring all travel documents and bookings are in order will be crucial for minimizing disruptions.
Stay safe and plan accordingly to navigate this challenging travel period..
