Brittany Ferries carried five times more foot passengers last week than a year earlier due to people struggling to get home due to the volcanic ash crisis.
The ferry company handled 35,286 foot passengers in the week ending April 22, more than five times the corresponding week in 2009.
Passenger services manager Gareth Bewley said: “The number of calls made to our reservations centre in Plymouth last Monday was more than anyone can remember and our staff have been working flat out to cope – we managed to answer 5,600 calls with a further 28,000 trying to get through, an unprecedented amount.
“Nonetheless, despite the difficulties, our customers have been almost without exception good natured and very grateful to obtain a booking.
“It was certainly gratifying for us to be able to help so many people who were desperate to return home.
“Online bookings have also seen a massive increase – up 108% over the past week.”
The surge in bookings has not been confined to travel during the crisis period.
Passengers have been booking ahead for the main summer season as it appears they have lost confidence in air travel and are unwilling to risk their main summer holiday being disrupted, the company said.
by Phil Davies
