London Gatwick is getting set for an exciting summer, as the school holidays approach at the end of July.

The airport is expecting to welcome around six million passengers travelling through the airport between 19 July and 2 September, with plenty of fun and entertainment on offer in the terminals to get the summer started in style.

Destinations in Spain remain the most popular travel spots this holiday, with Malaga topping the list for a second year running as families look to make the most of the Med. However, new entries into the top ten most popular destinations include Dublin and Belfast - suggesting some passengers may be choosing to stay closer to home this summer. 

Gatwick predicts that its busiest day for departures over the summer will be Friday 26 July with around 72,000 people expected to fly out of the airport. The busiest period is set to be week commencing 12 August, when it is estimated that more than 460,000 people will depart from Gatwick.

Nick Pope, Terminal Operations at London Gatwick, said: “Gatwick is looking forward to welcoming passengers this summer with some fantastic events to entertain and delight people travelling with children in particular. Passengers will be able to enjoy everything from dance shows and circus performers to live music and magic acts.

“We want to ensure the journey through our airport is smooth and speedy but also fun and memorable – and giving passengers a great send off and warm welcome is all part of achieving this.” He added.

Gatwick will be entertaining passengers with a wide programme of acts and activities. Each week of the summer holidays will have a different theme including music and dance, family fun, British and circus acts.

Additionally, 120 ambassadors used during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will be on hand throughout the summer months to give passengers arriving at the airport a warm welcome and help provide information on travel from the airport.

There is advice available for passengers travelling from the airport on the Gatwick website including some handy hints and tips for travellers.