Some 15,455 flights, equating to more than 2.7 million seats, are scheduled to depart UK airports during half-term (13-19 February), up 44% year-on-year and 731% compared with February half-term 2021.

However, this is still down 19% compared with February half-term 2019 when there were 19,136 departing flights, according to new data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Top destinations include Dublin, Amsterdam, Geneva, Tenerife and Paris, while easyJet is scheduled to be the busiest ex-UK carrier with 3,126 departures, followed by British Airways, Ryanair and Loganair.

Heathrow will be the biggest departure airport with 4,092 scheduled departures, followed by Gatwick, Stansted and Manchester.

Border Force officials represented by the Public and Commercial Services union are set to walk out during half-term over 17-20 February, although the action is expected to mainly impact the ports of Dover, Calais and Dunkirk, and the Channel Tunnel terminal at Coquelles.

The Home Office has warned those travelling by ferry or international rail services to be prepared for disruption and to check the status of their journeys before travelling.

However, it has also issued updated guidance for those travelling by air. "Military personnel, civil servants and volunteers from across government are being trained to support Border Force at airports and ports across the UK in the event of potential strike action," it said.

"We are working closely with port authorities, operators and French counterparts to make sure travellers are prepared and do not experience unnecessary delays at the border due to the proposed strike action."

The Home Office added: "Although this strike action targets the above ports, all those who are due to travel into the UK during the proposed industrial action should be prepared to face longer wait times at UK border control. All passengers should check the latest advice from their operators before travelling."