Around two million passengers are expected to use Gatwick during the Christmas and new year period.
The busiest day is expected to be December 22 when 60,000 are due to fly from the airport.
As many as 16,000 will pass through Gatwick on Christmas Day with the two million figure anticipated between today (December 13) and January 5.
The ski destination of Geneva is the top destination while Dubai is the fifth most popular.
Passengers travelling by rail between 10pm on Christmas Eve and January 2 are being advised to leave extra time for their journeys due to engineering works, which will affect services at Gatwick station.
There will be no Gatwick Express services until January 2 with passengers recommended to use Southern services and First Capital Connect services between Brighton and Gatwick from December 27 to January 1 and between Sutton and London Blackfriars on December 27.
National Express services will run direct between London Victoria and Gatwick for the first time on Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Nick Pope, of terminal operations at the airport, said: “With people jetting off for the festivities we’re expecting to see passenger growth of about 4.5% and we’re well equipped to handle those extra people.
“We strive to make air travel as stress-free as possible – whether that’s making sure people can get through security in less than five minutes or having extra help on hand to assist passengers with their onward journeys.
“This year though, with planned rail works, we’re advising all passengers to check Network Rail’s website well ahead of travelling.”
Top ten Christmas break destinations from Gatwick:
1. Geneva
2. Barcelona
3. Dublin
4. Belfast
5. Dubai
6. Amsterdam
7. Tenerife
8. Edinburgh
9. Madrid
10. Copenhagen