Chaos for cross-Channel passengers as strike forces port closure
Industrial action by ferry workers at the Port of Calais is causing severe disruption today for passengers trying to cross the channel.
Workers from ferry operator MyFerryLink have formed a blockade at Calais, forcing the port to close.
Eurotunnel’s services are also being affected. The operator said trains are running but cars are struggling to get through the blockade.
All ferry services from Dover to Calais have been suspended for the rest of today as port authorities say Calais will remain closed until 20:00.
DFDS Seaways’ other services from Dover are still running but the ferry operator has warned passengers to leave extra time for their journey and to allow additional time to check in.
Eurostar passenger services have not been affected.
Dover Port was already heavily congested by 08:00 today, causing a traffic jam on the approach road and a build-up of cars on the M20. Highways England said delays on the motorway were expected to last until this evening.
DFDS suggested passengers travel to Dover via the M2/A2 instead.
The industrial action is also affecting MyFerryLink and P&O Ferries.
P&O Ferries has advised passengers with non-essential travel and those on day trips to rebook for another day.
MyFerryLink has cancelled all its Dover to Calais services today. It Tweeted that the Port of Dover is badly congested and advised passengers not to attempt to check in.
A spokesman for the Port of Dover said the situation was being closely monitored amid hopes that ferry services would return to normal as soon as possible, however further disruption is expected once the port reopens.
"We will continue to monitor the situation closely in liaison with our ferry partners and the Port of Calais in order to resume normal operations as soon as possible," he said.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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