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Brittany Ferries forced to delay return to full service
Brittany Ferries has confirmed that it will not resume its full sailing schedule on 17th May as it had originally planned. The decision comes following changes to international travel rules, and in particular clarification of the UK government’s traffic light framework.
Normal sailings are now scheduled to resume on 6th June, however the situation will be continuously reviewed. The company says it is hopeful that France and Spain will be re-allocated to the green list shortly, thanks to falling Covid cases and rapidly rising vaccination rates.
As a result of this decision the following sailings will now not operate from 17th May until 6th June:
- Armorique Plymouth/Roscoff & Roscoff/Cork (passenger sailings)
- Barfleur Poole/Cherbourg
- Bretagne Portsmouth/St Malo
- Cap Finistère Portsmouth/Bilbao
- Pont-Aven Plymouth/Roscoff, Plymouth/Santander & Roscoff/Cork
- Normandie Portsmouth/Caen (passenger sailings)
Despite this the company will continue to operate a number of core services from 17th May until 6th June for those passengers who are still able to travel – for example for essential travel reasons – and for the carriage of freight. These routes and sailings are as follows:
- Armorique Roscoff/Cork & Cork/St Malo, Poole/St Malo (freight only)
- Connemara Rosslare/Bilbao & Rosslare/Cherbourg
- Cotentin Portsmouth/Le Havre (freight only)
- Galicia Portsmouth/Santander & Portsmouth/Cherbourg
- Mont St Michel Portsmouth/Caen
- Normandie Portsmouth/Caen (freight only)
- Pelican Poole/Bilbao (freight only)
Brittany Ferries is in the process of contacting all affected customers in order to arrange alternative sailings, or a refund. It is likely that the passenger relations teams will be extremely busy during this period, and customers affected by these changes are requested to wait to be contacted concerning their booking. Brittany Ferries apologises for any disruption to travel plans.
“We’re disappointed to be postponing our return to normal operations, and I offer my sincere apologies to all our customers whose travel plans will be affected,” said Christophe Mathieu, CEO Brittany Ferries.
“But the reality is that current travel rules in our four markets – UK, France, Spain and Ireland – have significantly weakened demand. In the current climate, where our company relies on bank loans to carry it through the most difficult period in its history, it is simply not possible to run loss-making services without passengers.
“Looking ahead however, we remain optimistic. The health situation is improving, not only in the UK but also in France and Spain. And the vaccine rollout is moving apace. We believe that ferry travel is now more attractive than ever. Passengers can avoid the crowds and concerns that come travelling by air. As soon as the situation allows, we will welcome passengers back – and offer them a safe, comfortable and enjoyable means to reach beautiful destinations by sea.”
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