News Archive

SeaFrance ferry strike disrupts port of Dover.

The port of Dover is once again being affected by a strike by SeaFrance officers in Calais, leading to Operation Stack being implemented on the M20 in Kent.

A statement on the SeaFrance website reads: “SeaFrance regrets to inform you that due to industrial action by Officers, all crossings are currently suspended. Passengers travelling during the early part of this week are requested to call SeaFrance on 0871 22 22 500 for details.

The SeaFrance strike began last week and, although workers are in talks with management, shows no sign of ending. Unions in France are asking for a pay rise which amounts to around 25% over three years.

SeaFrance says it is booking passengers onto crossings with other ferry operators at the port of Dover. Only SeaFrance ferries are affected by the strike action but passengers travelling with other ferry operators are also advised to check that their ferry is not disrupted.

As a result of the SeaFrance strike, Kent Police have once again implemented Operation Stack on the M20 in Kent. The coastbound M20 is now closed between junction 8 for Leeds Castle and junction 9 for Ashford, and between junction 11 for Hythe and junction 12 for Cheriton.

easyJet cheap flights ad banned.

A complaint by rival low cost airline Ryanair has led to the banning of an ad campaign by easyJet intended to attract customers to its cheap flights.

The ads stated: "Book by Friday and if you find it cheaper elsewhere we'll refund double the difference." But following complaints by low fares airline Ryanair the ads were investigated by advertising watchdog the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA).

A380 superjumbo to fly Heathrow to Dubai.

Emirates Airline will start London Heathrow to Dubai flights on an Airbus A380 from 1 December.

As well as flights from Heathrow to Dubai, the airline will also launch flights from New York to Dubai on 1 October, and from Sydney and Auckland to Dubai on 1 February 2009.

New flights to Bulgaria from Dublin airport.

Irish airline Aer Lingus will begin the only scheduled flights from Ireland to the increasingly popular tourist destination of Bulgaria in June.

The airline will operate two flights a week to Bourgas airport in Bulgaria, which is close to popular tourist resorts on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria.

BAA support for third runway at Heathrow.

Following the end of a Government consultation period on proposed expansion at Heathrow Airport, BAA published its response announcing support for a third runway.

BAA Business Strategy Director, Mike Forster said, “The UK will draw obvious benefits from new runway capacity at Heathrow, in terms of jobs and international competitiveness.  However, it is important that we address important environmental concerns and our submission to this consultation clearly demonstrates how we can grow Heathrow, with due regard for local communities and the environment and in a responsible way.