Busiest Ever Christmas Eve for Air Travel, Says Civil Aviation Body
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reported that this Christmas Eve will witness the highest number of air travelers in the UK since record-keeping began in 1972. This year, over 335,000 passengers are projected to take to the skies, marking a 5% increase from last Christmas Eve. Despite the surge in numbers, minimal disruption is anticipated for air travel.
Anticipated Traffic on UK Roads
In addition to busy airports, Britain’s roads are expected to experience significant congestion, with the RAC predicting this will be one of the busiest Christmas Eves on record. Here are some key insights:
– Peak Travel Times: The worst traffic is expected between 1 PM and 7 PM as millions head home for Christmas Day, likely leading to extended delays on major routes.
– Road Traffic Insights: Key congestion areas include:
– Clockwise northern and western sections of the M25 starting mid-morning.
– M5 north from Gloucestershire towards the West Midlands later in the afternoon.
Airport Statistics and Destinations
Prominent UK airports are preparing for a significant influx of holiday travelers:
– Manchester Airport: Anticipates around 75,000 passengers with 208 flights departing on Christmas Eve. Popular destinations include Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin. This figure will drop to half on Christmas Day.
– Heathrow Airport: Expects its busiest December on record, with 152,000 passengers using the airport on Christmas Day.
– EasyJet: Plans to operate 558 flights on Christmas Day, contributing to what it calls its busiest festive season ever.
– Stansted Airport: Foresees a relatively quiet Christmas Day.
Rail Travel Considerations
While millions will travel by train, earlier last-train schedules may push more travelers onto the roads, increasing congestion. Additionally:
– Several rail routes will face restrictions or closures over the holiday for maintenance.
– National Rail services will not operate on Christmas Day, with minimal availability on Boxing Day.
Preparing for Christmas Travel
As drivers prepare for their journeys, the RAC has shared essential tips:
– The M27 will be closed in both directions between Junction 9 (Whiteley/Park Gate) and Junction 11 (Fareham East/Gosport) from 8 PM until 4 AM on January 4 due to major works—this impacts travel between Southampton and Portsmouth.
– Travelers are encouraged to:
– Check tire conditions.
– Prepare for delays.
– Ensure oil and coolant levels are appropriate.
With 4.2 million journeys projected to occur on the roads, breakdowns are more likely as temperatures drop.
By planning ahead and staying informed, travelers can better navigate the busy holiday season. As confirmed by industry experts, this year’s Christmas Eve is set to be a record-breaking day for air travel, making it crucial to prepare for both air and road journeys effectively.