Airlines gear up for record-breaking Christmas travel season across the UK and US

Published on December 24, 2024

By: Paramita Sarkar

The Christmas season is shaping up to be the busiest on record for airlines across the UK and US, as millions of passengers prioritize travel and holidays over other discretionary spending.

Aviation data and industry leaders point to surging demand as a key driver, reflecting a robust recovery in the travel sector post-pandemic.

In the UK, carriers are set to operate 6.1 million seats between December 20 and January 2, marking a 5% increase from the pre-pandemic peak in 2019, according to aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Popular international destinations include Amsterdam, Dublin, Geneva, Paris, and Tenerife.

Additionally, over 800 flights are scheduled to depart from UK airports on Christmas Day, a 20% increase from 2019 and 47% more than a decade ago.

Low-cost carrier easyJet anticipates flying 4.1 million passengers across its European network during the Christmas and New Year period, with December 27 expected to be the busiest day.

Top destinations for easyJet travelers include Paris, Geneva, and Tenerife.

London Heathrow Airport, forecasting its busiest winter holiday season, aims to ensure smooth travel experiences after recent disruptions caused by high winds, which led to over 100 flight cancellations.

Heathrow CEO Thomas Woldbye emphasized, “Our focus remains on ensuring smooth, joyful journeys — whether it’s helping passengers reunite with loved ones or ensuring cargo reaches its destination on time.”

Across the Atlantic, US airlines expect a record 54 million passengers to take to the skies between December 19 and January 6, according to Airlines for America (A4A).

Popular holiday destinations include Orlando, Las Vegas, Cancún, Fort Lauderdale, and Honolulu. US carriers have added 140,000 more seats daily compared to the 2023 holiday season.

United Airlines alone projects a 12% year-on-year increase in passenger numbers, with 9.9 million travelers expected during the holiday period. The busiest days for United are forecast to be December 27 and December 28.

The strong year-end performance underscores the sustained demand for travel despite global economic challenges, including inflation.

Airline executives believe consumers continue to prioritize travel over other discretionary expenses. Ticket prices in several leading markets have also decreased, further fueling demand.

The surge in Christmas travel comes as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasts a record-breaking year in 2025, with global passenger numbers projected to exceed 5.2 billion — a 7% increase compared to 2024.

IATA Director-General Willie Walsh remarked that this growth signals a return to more normal levels following the extraordinary recovery seen post-pandemic.

As airlines gear up for this record-breaking holiday season, industry leaders remain optimistic about the future, with 2025 expected to set new benchmarks for global travel.