Full Breakdown
IT Issues Cause Major Delays for Christmas Travelers at Dover
12/20/2025, 8:49:47 PM
Overview of the Delays
The Port of Dover experienced significant delays for ferry passengers during the Christmas getaway due to IT issues affecting French border controls. As the busiest travel period of the year commenced, tens of thousands of motorists faced long queues, with delays reported to last up to two hours at peak times. The Port of Dover anticipated nearly 30,000 cars would pass through during the festive period, with traffic peaking between 6 AM and 1 PM from Friday to Sunday.
Impact on Travelers
Travelers reported chaotic conditions, with some describing their experiences as "absolute chaos." Long queues formed at the port entrance, and many passengers missed their scheduled sailings. P&O Ferries confirmed that while there were large queues on approach roads, once passengers reached the check-in area, processing was smooth with no delays. The port advised travelers to arrive no more than two hours before their sailing to mitigate congestion.
Official Statements & Responses
Doug Bannister, Chief Executive at the Port of Dover, stated, "Unfortunately, there are still some ongoing issues, which is causing increased wait times whilst traffic is being processed." He urged passengers to remain patient and to use main roads to avoid local congestion. The port also reassured travelers that those who missed their sailings due to delays would be placed on the next available crossing.
Criticism & Opposition
Some travelers expressed frustration over the situation, with one individual stating, "Just missed our boat. Still stuck. Kids in car." Another traveler criticized the port's management, suggesting that the delays were a result of systemic issues exacerbated by the holiday rush. Local residents also noted that the town was "proper rammed," indicating the broader impact on the community.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While the Port of Dover reported that traffic was "free-flowing" by mid-afternoon, some travelers continued to experience delays, particularly at the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, where waiting times reached two and a half hours. This discrepancy highlights ongoing challenges in managing traffic flow during peak travel times.
What's Next
As the holiday period continues, the RAC estimates that 37.5 million leisure trips by car will occur between Wednesday and Christmas Eve, marking the busiest Christmas getaway on record. National Highways has announced plans to minimize roadworks on major routes to facilitate smoother travel for motorists.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Our advice is simple: plan ahead, check your route and allow extra time.” — Shaun Jones, AA Expert Patrol
- “Horrible experience at Port of Dover this morning. Absolute chaos.” — Anonymous Traveler
- “If customers do miss their scheduled sailing due to the wait times, their ferry operator will place them on the next available crossing.” — Port of Dover Statement
- “'Unfortunately, there are still some ongoing issues, which is causing increased wait times whilst traffic is being processed.” — Doug Bannister, Chief Executive at the Port of Dover
