Wed, 24 Dec 2025

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 Busiest ever Christmas Eve for air travel, says civil aviation body

Passengers travelling on Christmas Eve are forecast to be the highest on record.

* Over 335,000 passengers will travel through UK airports on Christmas Eve, a record high since 1972.
* This marks a 5% increase from last year's Christmas Eve traffic.
* Britain's roads are expected to be among their busiest ever, with the RAC warning of potential delays between 1pm and 7pm due to millions traveling home before Christmas Day.
* Manchester Airport expects around 75,000 passengers on Christmas Eve, while Heathrow is preparing for its busiest December period ever, including 152,000 passengers on Christmas Day.
* EasyJet has announced it will operate 558 flights on Christmas Day as part of its busiest festive season ever.
* The RAC predicts particular congestion points on major roads, including the M25 and M5.
* Rail services are reduced over the Christmas period due to maintenance work, with National Rail trains not running on Christmas Day.
* Some rail routes will be restricted or closed entirely during the holiday period.
* National Express coaches will operate to 96 destinations on Christmas Day.
  >>