Overview
- Around three million people are expected to fly from UK airports in the week before Christmas, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.
- Friday 19 December is projected as the peak travel day with about 460,000 passengers, while Christmas Day traffic is forecast at 160,000, up 13% year on year and 72% versus 2015.
- Manchester Airport forecasts its busiest Christmas period, handling about 1.5 million passengers between 19 December and 4 January, with more than 100,000 travellers on 19 December and Sunday 28 December.
- The CAA advises carrying essential electronics in hand luggage, leaving gifts unwrapped, checking airline rules for items such as Christmas crackers, ensuring devices in checked bags are switched off, and notes that party poppers are banned on UK aircraft.
- Travellers are urged to check routes and flight status, know baggage limits, and arrive early, while airlines must provide food and drink during long delays, accommodation for overnight disruptions, and refunds or rebooking after cancellations.