A warning has been issued to Brits flying to EU destinations like Tenerife and Lanzarote as well as other popular holiday hotspots such as Alicante and Malaga during the upcoming Easter holidays.

Budget airline easyjet says this coming Easter is set to break records for the busiest ever, with 5.2million customers set to pack into 30,000 flights.

For sun‑seekers, the Canary Islands, including Tenerife and Lanzarote, remain among the most popular choices, while Spanish mainland favourites Alicante and Malaga also continue to be in high demand, easyJet said.

Holiday company On the Beach said it has seen a surge in last-minute bookings for departures this week as holidaymakers seek some refuge from the UK’s sudden cold snap which saw snow, sleet and hail hammer parts of the country alongside a drop in temperatures.

Ahead of the Easter holidays, the FCDO has warned Brits to prepare for extra checks at the border and to allow additional time to get through airport security when travelling to the EU. This is due to the rollout of the EU’s Entry Exit System (EES), which has been gradually introduced since October and will become fully operational at the external borders of 29 European countries from April 10, right in the middle of the Easter school holidays.

Minister for Border Security and Asylum, Alex Norris said: “The EU’s Entry Exit System will be a significant change for Brits travelling this Easter.

“Always check with your transport operator in case extra time may be needed, both for your return to the UK and travelling to the EU.

“We continue to engage with the European Commission on taking steps to help minimise disruption for Brits as much as possible. The government has also provided more than £10 million for Eurostar, Eurotunnel and the Port of Dover for those needing checks before departure.”

Kevin Doyle, easyJet’s UK Country Manager, said: “Every Easter we see more customers choosing easyJet for our unrivalled network, choice, brilliant package holidays and great value – and this year we’re set to fly more than 30,000 flights across Europe to over 140 destinations.

“Easter marks a welcome chance for families, couples and friends to enjoy a break together, whether that’s a dose of early‑spring sunshine or exploring one of Europe’s great cities. We’re continuing to offer even more flying to the destinations that matter most to our customers, always focused on making travel easy.”