Airports across the United Kingdom are preparing for an unprecedented surge in passenger numbers this Christmas, with regulators warning travellers to plan carefully for what is predicted to be the busiest festive season on record.
Major Hubs Expect Record-Breaking Numbers
Millions of people are taking to the skies for the holiday break, creating significant pressure on the nation's air transport network. Key airports like London Heathrow, Birmingham, and Manchester all anticipate their busiest Christmas periods to date.
The travel trade organisation ABTA estimates that over five million people will depart the UK for overseas destinations between Friday, 19 December and 4 January. Friday 19 December itself is forecast to be the single busiest day for departures across the entire festive window, with lengthy queues already forming at major terminals.
Airport-Specific Preparations and Advice
Heathrow Airport has stated it is 'fully prepared' for its busiest December ever, which will include a record number of travellers on Christmas Day. London Gatwick expects festive passenger numbers to rise by 3 per cent compared to last year.
Meanwhile, Manchester Airport is gearing up for more than 1.5 million passengers during the season. Its managing director, Chris Woodroofe, identified 19 December and 28 December as the peak days, each expecting over 100,000 travellers. He reminded passengers to check in online ahead of time and to avoid carrying wrapped presents in hand luggage to speed up security screening.
Official Guidance and Early Disruption
Selina Chadha, the Civil Aviation Authority's Director of Consumer and Markets, emphasised the need for preparation. "Millions of people will be travelling to spend Christmas with loved ones this year, and a little preparation goes a long way," she said. Her advice includes checking your route to the airport, confirming your flight status, understanding baggage limits, and arriving in good time, especially with children or bulky winter clothing.
Disruption has already begun for some. Flights between Dubai and the UK faced diversions and lengthy delays from Thursday into Friday after overnight thunderstorms. Passengers from Gatwick, Manchester, and Newcastle found themselves diverted to Dubai World Central airport, sitting on the tarmac for hours before completing the short journey to Dubai International.
Subsequent flights on Friday morning were operating around 90 minutes behind schedule, threatening connecting journeys. Under UK air passenger rights regulations, travellers whose plans are severely disrupted are entitled to be re-routed to their final destination as soon as possible on any available airline, with provisions for meals and accommodation until they depart.
