A packed airliner had two near misses just five minutes after taking off from Gatwick airport.

The British Airways jet, with 101 passengers on board, came within 400 metres of another plane and dived to avoid a collision when a warning alarm sounded.

Moments later the Newcastle-bound BAe RJ100 dived a second time as the collision alarm sounded.

Both incidents happened over Rochester, Kent, at about 8.40pm on October 31.

A British Airways spokesman said the incident was being investigated and the full circumstances would not be known until inquiries were complete.

The airliner eventually landed safely at Newcastle airport.

Meanwhile, the Christmas getaway got into full swing this weekend with 1.5 million Britons jetting off to spend the festive season in the sun or on the slopes.

Gatwick was described as "extremely busy", with around 52,000 people due to depart yesterday.

Terminal manager Christine Gover said: "We were extremely busy yesterday and we expect to be even busier today.

"There's a high proportion of ski flights. Orlando in Florida is the top destination, followed by Tenerife."

She added there were some delays, but no major problems.

Eighteen million cars are expected to hit the roads over the festive period, extended for many this year as people take Monday and Tuesday off before Christmas Day.

Usual problems were worsened by fog at the weekend and the AA warned drivers to take extra care.

The Met Office said the chances of a white Christmas anywhere in the UK were "very slim".