Holidaymakers are experiencing long delays on flights, ferries and Eurotunnel trains amid extreme weather conditions in the UK and thunderstorms across Europe.

Passengers travelling to France on cross-Channel rail operator Eurotunnel have been warned they could face waits of up five hours at its Folkestone terminal.

Families heading for summer getaways on the Continent by ferry were told to expect long queues on the roads into the Port of Dover with a minimum two-hour wait to get through border checks.

Summer weather July 26th 2018Queues for the Eurotunnel in Folkestone stretched back towards the M20 motorway as cross-Channel rail services were delayed because of the heatwave (Gareth Fuller/PA)

P&O ferries advised its customers to take plenty of drinks, snacks and entertainment for their wait.

Nats, the UK air traffic control service, which was due to handle 8,841 flights in 24 hours, said thunderstorms have also affected flights across the UK.

“NATS is working closely with the airports and airlines to ensure safety and to continue providing the most efficient operation possible during this adverse weather period,” a statement said.

“Dealing with bad weather is one of the most difficult things for air traffic controllers to manage.

“Its unpredictable nature means aircraft are not able to fly their usual routes, which results in unusual flight patterns.

“Thunderstorms are particularly disruptive as they effectively block large swathes of airspace because aircraft cannot fly through them.

“Passengers are advised to contact their airline for the latest information on individual flights.”