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Travel restrictions

UK Travel Ban Sparks Chaos at Ports and Airports, Conservation Flights Ordered

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Emergency airlifts are being sent to get hundreds of stranded travellers home for Christmas as the UK travel ban causes chaos at ports and airports in Britain. The 48-hour suspension of flights from the UK is likely to be extended due to a new strain of coronavirus spreading rapidly. Hundreds of people are already stranded, and major tailbacks at ports such as Dover and Holyhead have left truckers facing Christmas Day stuck on the side of the road.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UK travel ban has left hundreds of people stranded, including Irish residents who were planning to travel home for Christmas.
  • At least two consular flights have been ordered by the Irish Government to bring stranded Irish residents back to Ireland for Christmas, but these flights will only be open to Irish residents and passengers.
  • The flights will be operated by Irish airlines and will depart from London and a second airport to be determined, depending on demand.
  • The Government has arranged for exceptional access to ferry services for Irish residents who are stranded in Great Britain after taking short trips in their vehicles.
  • Around 65 flights from the UK to Ireland were cancelled between yesterday and today.
  • Hundreds of truck drivers could be left stranded for Christmas, with Estatris The Irish Road Haulage Association estimating that there are 200 trucks stranded in the UK.
  • The crisis could be compounded by a shortage of warehouse space due to pre-Brexit stockpiling storage during Christmas and the pandemic.
  • The UK travel ban has also caused delays in mail and parcels to and from Ireland, with An Post warning of potential delays.

Statistics:

  • 65 flights from the UK to Ireland were cancelled between yesterday and today.
  • 200 trucks are stranded in the UK.
  • 200 to 300 vehicles are heading for Cherbourg, as well as another 200 trying to leave Ireland to produce to the continent.
  • The crisis could affect up to 400 trucks.
  • 90 trucks are the maximum capacity for ferries at present.
  • Euro 1 million worth of meat product is at risk of rotting due to the shortage of warehouse space.

Sources:

  • news@irishmirror.ie
  • Agency
  • Department of Foreign Affairs
  • Department of Transport
  • An Post
  • News 1
  • News 2

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