Big queues and cancelled flights at UK airports as half-term break begins
Travel experts say some sites are still struggling with post-Covid demand
Half-term is getting underway for families up and down the country, with confusion, queues and cancellations at some of the UK's airports.
EasyJet had already cancelled hundreds of flights and axed more this morning, as have TUI and British Airways.
Police have been turning some passengers away in Manchester while at Bristol, queues were seen winding outside the terminal building first thing on Monday (30th May).
Some holidaymakers there say it took them almost two hours to check in bags.
Bosses have since apologised and urged travellers not to arrive too early, saying that may be adding to the congestion.
According to aviation data firm Cirium, UK airports will be busy with more than 10,000 flights departing between Thursday and Sunday.
That is a three-fold increase on the same period last year, when Covid-19 travel restrictions remained in place.
Drivers are also being warned to expect long delays on popular routes during the Platinum Jubilee bank holiday period as nearly 20 million getaway journeys are planned.
The RAC estimated that 19.5 million leisure trips by road will take place between Wednesday and Sunday.
A survey of 1,460 drivers’ travel plans indicated that Friday is likely to be the most congested day on the roads as day-trippers combine with families returning home from half-term breaks.
Traffic information supplier Inrix advised drivers to set off either before 6am or after 3pm to avoid the worst of the traffic.
Parts of the M25 in Hertfordshire and Surrey as well as the A303 running past Stonehenge in Wiltshire have been highlighted as likely congestion spots.
Some 37% of respondents to a separate RAC poll said they will not be driving long distances over the weekend. Of those people, 11% attributed this to high fuel prices.
RAC traffic spokesman Rod Dennis said: "Drivers clearly see a double bank holiday this close to the summer as a gift with so millions eager to make the most of it, although many appear keen to keep their car journeys short, perhaps mixing a daytrip or two with a Jubilee celebration at home.
"The fact the bank holidays coincide with the end of half-term in many places has the potential to put some extra pressure on the road network, so planning a journey carefully is important to beat the worst of any queues".
He urged drivers to carry out essential checks on their vehicles before setting off, such as making sure oil, coolant and screen wash levels are correct, and tyres are properly inflated and free from damage.
"A bit of TLC now could make the difference between a straightforward trip and one beset by a breakdown", he added.
Network Rail normally carries out widespread engineering work during bank holidays, but nearly all major lines will remain open during the Jubilee celebrations.
Chief executive Andrew Haines said: "We are really pleased to say that all routes into London’s major stations will be open across the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee bank holiday weekend.
"We know that demand will be high as people travel into the capital to celebrate this special occasion and our station staff will be on hand to welcome passengers and help them with their journeys.
"Of course, we are still carrying out hundreds of important projects to upgrade the railway, but the majority of these will have no impact on passenger or freight services.
"As ever I’d like to thank the countless railway staff who will be out delivering upgrades or who will be working hard to keep services running for passengers".