MPs have warned that Heathrow Airport could grind to a halt during the Olympics, as the airport may struggle to cope with the large increase in passenger numbers. Heathrow is already the busiest airport in the world, handling an average of 95,000 passengers on a typical summer day.
But the Olympics will see this number increase dramatically, as Heathrow is the main airport for the capital. On the busiest days – 26 July and 13 August – the airport is expecting to handle a whopping 138,000 people. Even for an airport of Heathrow’s size and capacity, this 45 per cent increase in passenger numbers is going to be a struggle.
MPs from the Culture Media and Sport Committee met with the BAA earlier this week but, despite reassurances from the airport operator, still have concerns over Heathrow’s capacity to handle the huge passenger numbers.
Members of the Committee have written to Jeremy Hunt, the minister overseeing the Games, to voice their concerns.
“We understand that significant preparations have been made to accommodate unusual sporting equipment, special lanes for the Olympic family, welcoming arrangements for competitors and additional Olympic ambassadors,” the letter read. “However, far less thought seems to have been given to the issue of how to deal with long queues at immigration.”
Concerns were raised about the prospect of more flights than usual arriving from outside Europe, which will cause even more delays at immigration desks. This, combined with the possibility that not all passport stations will be manned at all times, could lead to planes circling the airport, being left on runways or blocking gates.
“We are well prepared for the Olympics, with additional staff available for busy periods,” a Border Force spokesman. “But we will not compromise on border security and are working with BAA to ensure that we are ready to deal with extra passengers.”
(Images: Tam, Warren Rohner)
