Overview

• Airport operators and analysts confirm forecasts of record-breaking traffic at UK airports this July and August, driven by staggered regional peaks and expanded flight schedules.
• Manchester Airport has named Friday, August 22 as its busiest day, projecting about 115,000 inbound and outbound passengers.
• Gatwick Airport expects runway movements every 95 seconds on some August days, tightening to 65-second intervals during peak hours.
• Heathrow is set to handle up to 685 flights and 151,155 seats on Friday, August 29, a figure that could eclipse its all-time passenger peak from 2024.
• Travellers are being advised to avoid Fridays, Sundays and Mondays—predicted to be the busiest midweek and weekend days—as they plan around forecast congestion at regional and major hubs.