The number of departures from the UK has reached its highest level since October 2019, with an average of more than two flights per hour departing around the clock.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, more than 3,150 departures are expected on Friday, May 24.
Friday is usually a very busy day at UK airports, especially on the eve of a bank holiday weekend. Schools are also closed for the start of the half-term holidays.
In the four days leading up to the bank holiday Monday, 11,959 flights will depart from British airports with a total of more than 2.1 million seats. The figures are 5 percent higher than the corresponding weekend last year.
Some airports are processing their highest passenger numbers ever on a public holiday at the end of May.
Birmingham Airport reports a 15 percent increase in passengers compared to the same period in 2023. From Friday 24 May to Sunday 2 June, 221,500 people left the airport – almost 25,999 per day.
On X, passenger Chloë Pardoe wrote: “Absolute carnage trying to get through security at Birmingham airport. Having to queue out of the airport gate after an hour waiting to drop off baggage. Shocking considering it’s the start of the half term break.”
The airport urges passengers to arrive at the earliest time recommended by the airline.
Manchester Airport expects 100,000 travellers per day during the holidays – 5 per cent more than last year.
London Stansted will handle slightly fewer passengers. 375,000 are expected between Friday and Monday.
Gatwick Airport has not disclosed expected figures but says its three most popular destinations are Barcelona, Malaga and Faro, and its main long-haul destinations are Dubai, New York and Orlando.
Top 5 UK airports in terms of flights and passenger numbers
Heathrow Airport
Gatwick Airport
Manchester
Stansted Airport
Edinburgh
Top 5 destinations from UK airports
Dublin
Amsterdam
Palma
Alicante
Málaga
Top 5 airlines flying to UK airports
easyJet
British Airways
Ryanair
Jet2
Tui
