EasyJet has announced plans to operate its full schedule despite looming Border Force strikes.

The airline had been asked to cancel up to 30 per cent of their flights from Friday, December 23 to avoid chaos at airports such as Gatwick.

Phil Douglas, director-general of Border Force, wrote to airlines asking them to cancel the flights at affected airports.

However, a spokesman for EasyJet said: “We are currently planning to operate our flying schedule, and as you would expect, we are in talks with the individual airports on their contingency plans.

“We want to take our customers on their planned trips at this important time of year and so we urge all parties to reach an agreement as soon as possible.”

Members of the Public and Commercial Services union who work for Border Force at Gatwick will walkout from December 23.

Extensive passport checks are carried out on arrival, but long queues could see passengers held on planes after they land, causing delays to departures.

Customers who have booked EasyJet flights arriving at Gatwick on the strike days can either change their travel date or receive a flight voucher for the value of their ticket if they amend their plans.