Scottish holidaymakers cutting back on overseas Christmas breaks

Christmas breaks in the sun aren’t as popular this year with Scottish holidaymakers, according to figures released by airports operator BAA.

Friday was expected to be the busiest day for travel at Scottish airports since the summer, with passenger numbers of around 53,000 anticipated.

BAA, the operator of Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, said that numbers were expected to be lower this year by around five per cent.

In the days up to 25 December, approximately 250,000 travellers will pass through the main airports in Scotland.

Numbers at Aberdeen are expected to reach 43,000 passengers during the period of 19-24 December, 97,000 at Glasgow and 113,000 at Edinburgh.

The destination for the majority of holidaymakers will be London, often to connect with onward flights. Typically, the favourite overseas destinations at Christmas for Scottish travellers looking for a break in the sun are Alicante, Dubai and Tenerife.

Figures this year are revealing that while many want to travel abroad during the holidays, there are fewer who will be doing so.

Glasgow is likely to experience the largest decline in passenger numbers, down by 5.9 per cent; Aberdeen’s numbers are expected to be down by 5.5 per cent; and Edinburgh’s by 3.3 per cent.

Fewer Scots travelling abroad could turn into positive news for ski resorts in the country, which are hoping for a particularly good season.

www.baa.com