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Holidaymakers embarking on Easter getaways from Dover faced frustration and delays as queues at the port stretched for hours, exacerbated by the aftermath of Storm Nelson. With around 2.6 million car journeys expected on Good Friday and 2 million Brits jetting off abroad, the start of the long weekend proved challenging for travellers.
The Port of Dover reported queues exceeding 90 minutes early on Friday morning, attributing the delays to strong winds and enhanced security checks. Ferry companies urged patience as passengers faced lengthy waits to board their vessels.
Despite assurances from port authorities, travellers took to social media to express their dismay, with some claiming to have waited up to three hours to clear border controls. Ferry firms reassured passengers that they would be accommodated on the next available sailings, but frustrations ran high as queues continued to grow throughout the morning.
The disruption caused by Storm Nelson, which brought gusts of up to 80mph, persisted into Friday, impacting rail services and ferry operations. Delays and cancellations were reported on several ferry routes, including crossings between Dover and Calais and Dieppe and Newhaven.
The chaos at Dover coincided with an anticipated surge in Easter holiday travel, with millions of Britons expected to hit the roads and airports. Major airports such as Manchester, Stansted, and Birmingham reported a significant increase in passenger numbers, while holidaymakers braved long queues and heightened security measures.
As travellers navigated through the stormy start to the Easter weekend, meteorologists predicted improving weather conditions, with milder temperatures and scattered showers expected. However, the disruption caused by Storm Nelson and the influx of holidaymakers served as a reminder of the challenges posed by holiday travel during peak periods.
As the UK moved into British Summer Time (BST) on Easter Sunday, travellers remained hopeful for smoother journeys ahead, despite the hurdles encountered at the start of the long weekend.
