Huge queues at Dover as holiday getaway traffic grinds to a halt – after flights axed and Eurostar trains cancelled

BRITS have been warned of huge queues at Dover today as holidaymakers sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic for hours.

It comes as travel mayhem was sparked yesterday when flights were scrapped and Eurostar trains axed as the summer holidays kicked off.

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Holiday getaway traffic has ground to a halt on the A20 near the Port of Dover in Kent this morning.

Drivers sitting in a sea of red brake lights reported punishing queues at the UK’s busiest port.

They have been warned a “weekend of woe” awaits as the RAC estimates around 13.8million people will hit the road from Friday to Sunday.

Experts suggest maximum congestion is set to hit today as 3.6million Brits get behind the wheel.

RAC Breakdown spokesperson Alice Simpson said: “Anyone heading off on holiday on Saturday or Sunday should expect a ‘weekend of woe’ on the roads with journeys taking far longer than normal.

“If you can’t set off early, then it’s highly likely you’ll be sitting in traffic for quite some time.

“Our research suggests this year’s getaway is set to be busier than average, possibly due to the UK inflation rate having slowed, giving people a bit more confidence to spend.

“However, with our recent bad weather causing an increase in international travel bookings, queues to major airports should not be underestimated.

“We’d advise drivers to plan their routes well in advance if jetting off abroad this week.”

Meanwhile, flyers at Heathrow this morning are stuck in massive queues at check-in desks.

The UK’s busiest airport was plunged into mayhem yesterday with hundreds of hopeful jet-setters told to head home after mass cancellations.

Devastated flyers were fuming after trips to Frankfurt, Munich, Miami and New York City were all scrapped.

Weary passengers have been spotted sleeping on the floor with their bags today as they await further information.

It comes as travellers were hit with chaos yesterday after Eurostar announced services were being cancelled amid arson attacks ahead of the Paris Olympic Games today.

Eurostar, which runs international services from London St Pancras, told fuming ticketholders that one in four trains would not run due to the “coordinated” vandalism.

Passengers were told “cancel you holidays” as both train services and flights were scrubbed.

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Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer was even forced to fly to Paris after French rail networks were sabotaged.

And, disruption is set to continue into Monday next week, dashing millions of expected weekend travel plans.

One man who has spent £1,800 on Eurostar tickets to get to the Olympics said he is now considering flying or driving after trains keep getting cancelled.

Scott Wilkins, 47, said: “Driving is an option. We’re thinking about driving because we’ve got the Eurotunnel.”

His partner, who did not want to be named, said: “I don’t think the trains are going, so we’re going to have to go home and get the car. I was looking for a flight but there aren’t any.”

Fellow traveller Adam Wigley, 28, who was planning to attend the opening ceremony, said: “I’m unclear on the system. It’s a little difficult to see what’s going on.

“Our train gets into Paris an hour late, so it’ll be a little bit of a rush (to reach the ceremony).”

Eurostar said in a statement: “Due to co-ordinated acts of malice in France, affecting the high-speed line between Paris and Lille, all high-speed trains going to and coming from Paris are being diverted via the classic line today Friday July 26.

“This extends the journey time by around an hour-and-a-half. Several trains have been cancelled.

“Eurostar’s teams are fully mobilised in stations, in the call centres, and onboard to ensure that all passengers are informed and can reach their destination.

“We encourage our customers to postpone their trip if possible.”

French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal said the vandals strategically targeted the main routes towards Paris, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Speaking to reporters, Mr Attal said there would be “massive consequences”, with “hundreds of thousands” of people stuck while trying to visit Paris for the Games or holidays.

Luckily, despite the majority of Team GB athletes arriving to Paris by Eurostar, only two were due to travel on Friday – and only experienced minor delays.

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