Easter Travel Chaos: Major Delays Expected on Roads, Rail, and Airports
Easter travel is set to be severely disrupted across the UK and Europe, with warnings of chaos on roads, rail, and airports. Aviation leaders are calling for the suspension of the EU Entry-Exit System (EES) due to potential delays exceeding two hours at border controls for airline passengers travelling to Europe. Additionally, strikes are anticipated at key Spanish airports, compounding the travel woes.
Rail Network Faces Extensive Engineering Works
Significant disruption is expected across the UK rail network during the Easter period. A six-day closure of the London Euston to Milton Keynes line, starting on Good Friday, will affect multiple services. This extensive engineering work is part of broader maintenance efforts that are likely to cause delays and cancellations for many passengers.
Road Congestion Forecast to Peak
UK roads are forecast to experience their busiest Easter since 2022, with peak congestion anticipated on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. Major motorways such as the M25, M5, and M40 are expected to be particularly affected, leading to longer journey times and potential traffic jams. Travelers are advised to plan ahead and consider alternative routes.
Ferry Passengers Advised on Busy Periods
Ferry passengers departing from Dover should note that Good Friday morning will be the busiest period for outbound traffic. The Port of Dover recommends arriving no more than two hours before sailing to avoid excessive queues. However, concerns about the EU Entry-Exit System causing hold-ups at Kent gateways like Dover and Folkestone have subsided, as biometric checks for motorists and passengers will not be implemented at these ports.
EU Entry-Exit System Sparks Aviation Concerns
The rollout of the EU Entry-Exit System (EES) is a major point of contention, with aviation leaders warning of delays exceeding two hours at border controls for flights to Europe. They are calling for its suspension to prevent further travel disruption. In contrast, the system's impact on road travel at ports has been mitigated, as checks will not be enforced in Kent.
Overall, Easter travel is poised for significant challenges, with a combination of EU regulations, strikes, engineering works, and high traffic volumes creating a perfect storm of disruption. Travelers are urged to stay informed and prepare for potential delays across all modes of transport.
