UK airports are bracing for a record-breaking Christmas Eve, with passenger numbers projected to surpass any previous year since records began in 1972, according to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The CAA estimates that over 335,000 travelers will pass through UK airports on Wednesday, marking a 5% increase compared to Christmas Eve 2024. Minimal disruptions are anticipated.
Roads across Britain are also expected to experience heightened traffic volume, potentially making it one of the busiest Christmas Eves on record, according to the RAC. However, another motoring organization suggests that the peak travel period for the season has already passed.
The RAC has identified the period between 1pm and 7pm on Wednesday as the most congested, as millions embark on journeys to reach their destinations before Christmas Day on Thursday. Significant delays are expected on major routes.
Manchester Airport anticipates handling approximately 75,000 passengers on Christmas Eve, with 208 departing flights. This number is expected to decrease by half on Christmas Day. The most popular destinations from Manchester Airport on Christmas Eve include Amsterdam, Paris, and Dublin.
Heathrow Airport anticipates its busiest December period to date, with an estimated 152,000 passengers traveling on Christmas Day. EasyJet reports operating 558 flights on Christmas Day as part of what it calls “its busiest festive season ever.”
Stansted Airport, in contrast, expects a relatively quiet Christmas Day.
The busiest single day for air travel during the festive period was Friday, December 19.
The RAC has identified potential traffic bottlenecks on the clockwise northern and western sections of the M25 from mid-morning, as well as the M5 northbound from Gloucestershire towards the West Midlands later in the afternoon.
Reduced rail service frequencies may lead more people to drive, potentially exacerbating road congestion.
Several rail routes will face restrictions or closures for maintenance over the Christmas period.
National Rail services will be suspended on Christmas Day, with only limited services operating on Boxing Day.
National Express coaches will operate services to 96 destinations on Christmas Day.
Nick Mullender, the RAC’s mobile servicing and repair team leader, stated that 2025 is “looking to be the busiest getaway period since our records began” in 2013.
He anticipates this year’s Christmas Eve being the busiest, with workers maximizing their annual leave and embarking on last-minute getaways.
The AA, which provides traffic updates across the UK, reported that December 19 was the busiest day of the season.
For Christmas Eve, the AA has issued a warning regarding the closure of the M27 in both directions between Junction 9 (Whiteley/Park Gate) and Junction 11 (Fareham East/Gosport) from 8pm until 4am on January 4 due to major works at Junction 10.
This closure will impact road journeys between Southampton and Portsmouth.
Drivers are advised to check their tyres, anticipate delays, and ensure that oil and coolant levels are adequate. A rise in breakdowns is expected as the weather turns colder, with 4.2 million journeys anticipated on the roads.
You can see how weather will affect your Christmas travel plans on the road.
You can see here how other transport, such as ferries, are affected.
Some swims over the Christmas period are cancelled in Devon and Cornwall due to the weather.
More and more people are ditching traditions such as turkey, for a Christmas Day curry.
A Newtownards church will hold its Christmas Day service outside after the council refused to open its community centre.
“This event exists to remind people that they matter,” an organiser says.
The Reverend Emma Barr says the tradition is a “jolly way” to start Christmas.