Escape by road, rail, sky and sea is expected to be interrupted this long weekend as passengers race to escape for the Easter holidays.
Despite rising fuel costs, drivers are planning more trips for Easter next weekend than ever.
The RAC says drivers are collectively planning more than 21 million leisure trips by car this weekend – the highest number for the Easter holiday since the organization first began tracking motorists’ plans in 2014.
The scale of the Easter road escape is likely to increase due to the closure of key sections of the main West Coast railroad.
Meanwhile, easyJet and British Airways continue to cancel flights, having today canceled more than 80 scheduled flights between them.
While both airlines attribute their cancellations over the past two weeks to illness and staff absences, UK airports have reported staffing problems leading to longer-than-usual queues and waiting times.
P&O Ferries also caused chaos for holidaymakers by suspending all its services in Dover-Calais over the Easter weekend.
Follow the latest updates below.
Key points
- The RAC predicts record drivers on UK roads this Easter
- British Airways and easyJet cancel 80 flights between them
- Railway engineering and line closures are designed to increase pressure on roads
Show the latest update 1649926767
Do you want to avoid these queues at the airport? Consider canceling flights this summer
If you’re worried about mega-queues and security delays that are causing some passengers to miss flights this spring, there’s a dazzlingly simple solution, writes travel editor Helen Coffey.
You can always cancel flights and travel closer to earth this summer, like Helen – who promised to fly without flights in 2022.
“Even the recent turbulence at airports around the world, which even saw unfortunate passengers missing flights because they were stuck in security queues, I couldn’t help but feel a little complacent about my choice every time a friend told me about a catastrophic delay. a flight or a nightmare of lost luggage, ”Helen wrote.
“The longer I fly without flying, in fact, the more I wonder how I tolerated it at all.”
Helen Coffey April 14, 2022 09:59
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The British miss the holidays in anticipation of the arrival of new passports
Some British holidaymakers miss holidays and lose money due to longer than usual waiting times for new passports.
Recent reviews of Passportwaitingtime.co.uk, which tracks users ‘waiting times when applying, show customers’ frustration with the often inconsistent waiting times for a new passport.
A user’s review, published on Wednesday, said she had waited more than 12 weeks for two of her family’s passports to be renewed.
The typical waiting time for a new passport is five weeks – as stated on the government website – unless it is an adult passport for the first time, in which case the average wait is six weeks.
However, the passport office advises passengers to leave up to 10 weeks to allow any delays, with a disclaimer: “Standard times for processing online applications can change quickly.
Lucy Takrey April 14, 2022 09:31
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The Dartford Tunnel crashed on the M25
Drivers traveling counterclockwise around the eastern part of the M25 have been warned of a one-hour delay as a result of a crashed truck. It is located in the eastern opening of the Dartford Tunnel, with all traffic diverted to the western opening.
National Highways South East says: “The Eastbore Tunnel at Dartford Crossing is closed to remove a damaged truck.
“Currently there are long delays of at least 60 minutes when approaching the M25 counterclockwise. If this closure affects your planned route, please allow extra time to travel.
There are height restrictions in the tunnel that is used.
Vehicles over 4.8 m (“15’9”) are advised to “look for an alternative route clockwise M25”.
Simon Calder April 14, 2022 09:02
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The main line of the East Coast is hitting trouble
Passengers on the main rail line from Scotland, North East England and Yorkshire to London’s Kings Cross are facing delays after a driver said he hit an obstacle in the Hatfield area.
National Rail says: “Fleet engineers and Network Rail rapid response staff are on site and working with the driver to get the train moving as fast as possible.
“Only one of the two lines is available for trains to London. Please take the extra time to complete your trip, as services may be subject to delays of up to 20 minutes in the Hatfield area.
“To solve the problem safely, more lines will have to be blocked, which will lead to additional delays. “Some trains may also be diverted from the area to avoid increased delays, but this will still lead to extended travel times.”
LNER Azuma trains at Kings Cross
(Simon Calder)
Simon Calder April 14, 2022 08:29
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Delays of the Croydon-Gatwick trains are expected until 09.00
Trains between East Croydon and Gatwick Airport are currently suspended, with delays expected until at least 9 a.m.
“There is a malfunction in the alarm system between Gatwick Airport and East Croydon. As a result, trains can be delayed by up to 10 minutes, “said an update to National Rail.
Thameslink also tweeted about the delays, saying: “We currently advise you to allow an additional 10 minutes to travel between Gatwick Airport and East Croydon (to London). This is due to a signaling error affecting our fast Career Line between Earlswood and Culsden South.
Lucy Takrey April 14, 2022 08:14
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A record number of Easter drivers can lead to serious traffic jams
Despite rising fuel costs, drivers are planning more trips for Easter next weekend than ever.
The RAC says drivers are collectively planning more than 21 million leisure trips by car this weekend – the highest number for the Easter holiday since the organization first began tracking motorists’ plans in 2014.
The busiest day will be Good Friday, followed by a holiday on Monday. There will be a little less travel on Saturday and Sunday.
The scale of the Easter road escape is likely to increase due to the closure of key sections of the main West Coast railroad. Most Manchester City and Liverpool fans are expected to travel to Wembley to watch the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.
Here are the main routes to look out for:
Simon Calder April 14, 2022 08:09
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All flights are canceled today
As UK air passengers leave for their Easter holidays before the long weekend, flight schedules are still concerned about daily cancellations.
Once again, British Airways and easyJet have grounded more than 80 services between them from their main bases, London Heathrow and London Gatwick, respectively.
British Airways did not make any cancellations during the day. The airline says passengers have been notified of a week or two of flight cancellations due to resource problems.
Both airlines cite staff shortages as the cause of their problems.
Here are the flights that have been canceled so far today in Heathrow by BA and in Gatwick by easyJet:
Simon Calder April 14, 2022 07:59
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Good morning
Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s live travel blog, where we’ll share all the latest news and updates before your Easter trips.
Lucy Takrey April 14, 2022 07:50
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