2,600 flights to leave UK on the busiest day of 2019

Over 2,600 flights are scheduled to depart the UK on August 23rd 2019 according to data from travel data analytics experts, Cirium.

Nearly half a million Brits will depart the UK ahead of the late summer bank holiday to destinations across the globe.

Legacy carrier British Airways will carry around 82,000 passengers on the day while low-cost carrier, Easyjet is expected to carry the most with around 84,500.

Top 5 Busiest Airlines on August 23rd

AirlineUK Departures
Easyjet614
British Airways583
Ryanair444
Jet2183
Flybe453

The data also shows that during the summer season (July 1st to August 31st) nearly 7 million flights will take-off carrying a billion people around the world. 34.5 million of those passengers will be from the UK.

From the UK, Spain is shown to be the favourite destination with 5 million passengers heading for the European hotspot during the summer.

The trends also show that short-haul destination are seeing a surge in popularity while flights to the US are slightly down on last year (0.3%).

UK airports will be at their busiest on August 23rd (Image: Aviation Media Agency)
UK airports will be at their busiest on August 23rd (Image: Aviation Media Agency)

Cirium Chief Executive Officer, Jeremy Bowen, said: “Our data shows that, the summer holiday season for UK travellers is set to be busier than ever, with almost half a million people flying on August 23, the busiest day for flying in the UK in 2019, before the late August bank holiday.

“Short-haul destinations across Europe are seeing a surge in popularity as airlines operate peak schedules to meet traveller demand.”

Heathrow airport tops the list of busiest airports for August 23rd, the busiest day of 2019.

Top 5 Busiest Airports on August 23rd

AirportNo. of Departures
Heathrow (LHR/EGLL)693
Gatwick (LGW/EGKK)455
Manchester (MAN/EGCC)341
Stansted (STN/EGSS)275
Luton (LTN/EGGW)182

So if you are planning to get away on August 23rd be prepared for the rush and travel like a pro with these tips from seasoned traveller and blogger Pip Jones.

About Nick Harding 2037 Articles
Nick is the senior reporter and editor at UK Aviation News as well as working freelance elsewhere. He has his finger firmly on the pulse on Aviation, not only in the UK but worldwide. Nick has been asked to speak in a professional capacity on LBC, Heart and other broadcast networks.