EasyJet is operating its busiest ever Christmas Day this year, with 542 flights taking off across Europe.

Over two million passengers are set to travel across the peak Christmas and New Year period, while the busiest day of the season will be 22 December, with 1650 flights carrying over a quarter of a million passengers.

In the UK alone, the airline will carry over 720,000 passengers during the festive season as many get set to fly across the UK to spend time with friends and relatives, enjoy Christmas in the sun or ring in the new year in some of Europe’s most iconic cities.

Tenerife is this year’s most popular hot spot for those seeking to spend Christmas in the sun, while Paris is proving to be the city of choice and Geneva, gateway to the Alps, is also among the top destinations as people hit the slopes at the start of ski season.

Closer to home, Belfast is the most popular domestic destination for people travelling across the country, as people visit friends and relatives during the holidays.

easyJet is also operating its biggest ever schedule from the UK to festive favourite Lapland this year, with services up to six times a week taking off from London Gatwick, London Luton, Bristol, Manchester and Edinburgh.

Ali Gayward, easyJet’s UK country manager, said: “This holiday period is such an important time for travelling, and flying somewhere festive, to catch some winter sun or to see friends and family can make it really special.

“With over two million people choosing to fly with us this holiday season for our unrivalled choice of European destinations and great value service, we can’t wait to take them away to celebrate the festivities, wherever and however they are spending them. And with 65 new routes already set to take off next year, we’re looking forward to welcoming more customers on board in 2024.”