As the UK approaches a long Easter weekend—marked by public holidays on both Friday and the following Monday—airports across the country are bracing for a significant spike in passenger traffic. With many travelers seizing the opportunity for a short spring getaway or family visit, flight activity is expected to soar.
According to data from aviation analytics provider Cirium, more than 11,000 flights are scheduled to depart from UK airports between Friday, April 18th, and Monday, April 21st. Here’s a closer look at what to expect during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
Key Takeaways
🔵 11,278 flights are scheduled from UK airports over Easter weekend 2025.
🔵 Friday, April 18 and Monday, April 21 will be the busiest days.
🔵 Passenger traffic is up 6% from 2024, signaling steady industry growth.
🔵 Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester remain the top departure points.
🔵 Dublin, Amsterdam, and Spanish cities like Malaga and Alicante dominate international routes
Over 2 Million Seats and 3 Billion ASMs Available
In total, 11,278 flights are set to operate over the four-day Easter break, offering a combined 2.06 million passenger seats. That’s an average of roughly 183 seats per flight. The total available seat miles (ASMs)—a key industry metric—exceeds 3.1 billion, reflecting both high capacity and strong demand.
Unsurprisingly, the two peak travel days will be Friday, April 18th, with 2,949 flights, and Monday, April 21st, with 2,909 flights. Saturday and Sunday are expected to be slightly less busy, with 2,624 and 2,796 flights respectively.
Travelers Advised to Prepare for Potential Delays
With airspace and terminals likely operating at or near capacity, passengers are being urged to allow extra time for check-in, security, and boarding procedures. Industry experts warn that weather disruptions, crew shortages, and air traffic congestion could lead to flight delays on busy routes, especially on Friday and Monday. Travelers are encouraged to monitor their flight status closely and arrive at airports well in advance of departure times.
Up 6% from 2024, But Not a New Record
Compared to the same Easter period in 2024, this year’s flight volume represents a 6% increase, further underlining the aviation sector’s post-pandemic recovery. However, the numbers still fall short of pre-COVID highs; Easter 2019 saw 11,743 scheduled departures, about 4% more than this year. Airlines continue to monitor staffing and logistical pressures, and while most flights are expected to run, passengers should remain aware of the potential for short-notice cancellations. In such cases, travelers departing from UK or EU airports may be entitled to financial compensation or assistance under EU Regulation 261/2004, depending on the cause and timing of the disruption.
Heathrow Leads the Pack, Followed by Gatwick and Manchester
As expected, London Heathrow (LHR) remains the UK’s busiest hub, accounting for a sizable 23.8% of total flight traffic during the Easter weekend, with 2,680 scheduled departures. Other major airports include London Gatwick (LGW), Manchester (MAN), and London Stansted (STN), all playing key roles in managing holiday traffic.
Top Destinations: Dublin and Spanish Cities Dominate
Dublin (DUB) ranks as the most popular international destination from UK airports over Easter, with 463 flights scheduled. Breaking it down by day: 121 flights on Friday, 107 on Saturday, 116 on Sunday, and 119 on Monday. Heathrow leads with the most flights to Dublin (65 departures), followed by Manchester (51) and Edinburgh (46).
The Netherlands’ capital Amsterdam (AMS) also makes the list, with 421 flights and 59,631 available seats across UK airports. Its strong position is supported by its dual appeal as both a leisure destination and a key transit hub. Heathrow alone will operate 61 flights to Amsterdam during the period.
Spanish Hotspots Remain a Springtime Favorite
Sunny destinations in Spain are perennial favorites for British travelers, and Easter 2025 is no exception. Three cities stand out:
- Malaga (AGP): 239 flights / 45,123 seats
- Alicante (ALC): 239 flights / 45,364 seats
- Palma de Mallorca (PMI): 233 flights / 42,830 seats
The enduring popularity of the Costa del Sol and Balearic Islands continues to make Spain a top pick for short-haul spring holidays.