Travellers to the UK warned of delays and long waiting times due to strikes

The United Kingdom’s Home Office and Border Force have warned people travelling to the UK on February 1st, to prepare for delays and longer waiting times at border controls due to strikes that will take place at all UK airports and maritime ports on Wednesday.

100,000 members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), across 123 employers, will stage a walkout on February 1st, impacting government ministries, museums, ports, and airports.

The authorities will be sending military personnel, civil servants, and volunteers from across the government to support Border Force at all airports and ports affected by the strike, yet delays will be unavoidable.

“If you are travelling into the UK via any entry point, you should prepare for disruption and check before you travel,” the authorities said in a statement, adding that the strikes are expected to last until 7am the next day, Thursday, February 2nd.

Travellers are asked to be patient and respect the border staff, who are supporting them during the strike action, and to check with their travel agents, tour operators, or airlines to find out how their trip may be affected. They are also encouraged to use eGates at the border wherever they are available.

The statement further warns: “Please respect staff as we try and get you through the border as quickly and safely as possible. All forms of abuse and any inappropriate behaviour will be reported to the police.”

The authorities are still not sure how long the border waiting will take, as accurate data on queue time can take some time to collect and check, as aside from the strikes, other factors may affect flight delays and flight bunching, including weather, an increase in the number of passengers, as well as other ad hoc incidents.