International flights from the UK this February half-term remain 38% down on the equivalent period in 2020 – prior to most countries imposing strict Covid travel restrictions.
However, the level is almost 600% up on last year’s February half-term, according to travel data and analytics firm Cirium.
Spain is expected to be the most popular destination for holidaymakers with 1,354 flights over the period of February 14-20, followed by Ireland with 646 flights from the UK.
As many as 8,304 international flights are scheduled to depart from the UK this February half-term – equating to more than 1.6 million seats
Last February half-term saw only 1,201 international departures from the UK, while 2020 saw a “significantly higher” 13,422.
Flights from the UK to China have slumped by 94% – the largest drop over 2020.
Services between the UK and the Maldives have seen the biggest increase, with 133% more flights this February half-term compared to the same time in 2020.
This half-term is expected to see 8,293 flights land in the UK from international destinations, equating to 1,620,893 seats.
The data comes as the government looks to scrap day two arrival testing for fully vaccinated travellers at next week’s travel rules review.