The Port of Dover is expecting its busiest May half-term in years, driven partly by travellers switching from air to ferry travel amid geopolitical tensions. Chief executive Doug Bannister told The Independent that bookings have increased, particularly since the conflict in Iran began, as passengers seek more reliable travel options.
Mr Bannister said: 'We had a cracking Easter. It was our busiest since Covid and everybody flowed through very, very well. Our bookings for May half-term have been increasing, particularly since the war in Iran started.' He noted that ferry travel offers reassurance, as services continue to operate and passengers can keep their belongings and entertainment in their cars.
The port expects around 8,000 cars on the Saturday of the half-term, with peak times between 5am and 1pm. Mr Bannister advised passengers not to arrive more than two hours before their sailing to maintain smooth flow.
A key challenge remains the EU's entry-exit system (EES), which requires biometric checks for British passport holders. The Port of Dover has invested £40m in a new registration area with 84 kiosks, but French IT issues have prevented their activation. Currently, French border officials create EES profiles manually, adding time to each vehicle check.
Mr Bannister called for the full activation of the kiosks and the introduction of a pre-travel registration app, or alternatively a relaxation of requirements during busy periods to prevent congestion. He also urged motorists to stick to main routes to avoid clogging Dover town centre.
