Gatwick Airport is set to face its busiest summer since 2019.

An influx in passengers is expected over the coming months, with numbers set to be higher than they have been in the last five years.

The airport is expected to be the busiest on August 11, while the highest number of flights is expected on September 1, with 905 air traffic movements in total scheduled for this date.

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Gatwick Airport said the top three short-haul destinations people are flying to this summer are Barcelona, Malaga and Palma de Mallorca.

Dubai, New York and Orlando have been ranked as the most popular long-haul destinations for Gatwick passengers this year.

The airport, which is one of the largest in the UK, also said passengers this year will have a bigger than ever selection of destinations to fly to.

A spokesman for Gatwick Airport said:  "This summer passengers can choose from 56 airlines flying to 223 destinations, with 169 short-haul destinations across a large European network and 51 long-haul routes. 

"New routes recently underway include short-haul flights to Gothenburg (Sweden), Vagar (Faroe Islands), Ponta Delgada (Azores, Portugal) and Salerno (Italy) which began on 13 July. "

Nick Williams, head of passenger operations at London Gatwick, said: "Teams here at London Gatwick are putting in extraordinary efforts to ensure passengers will have the best start to their holidays this summer.

"We are working closely with our airlines and other airport partners to ensure a smooth operation for all.

"The coming weeks will be busier than normal, we encourage passengers to read our top tips in advance of visiting the airport so they are prepared and know what to expect."

To help the airport run smoothly, Gatwick Airport is advising passengers to plan ahead by booking parking spaces and arriving on time.

Passengers have also been advised to prepare for security as normal to help it run smoothly.

This can be done by bringing liquids in containers up to 100ml in one-litre clear plastic bags and removing bags and electrical items from hand luggage. 

People should arrive at the airport two hours before a short flight and three hours before a long-haul departure.