Heathrow’s Olympic Plans

In its role as the major international gateway to the United Kingdom, Heathrow has published a comprehensive document outlining its role in the London 2012 Olympics.  What is very clear is that there will be no major changes in airline schedules and frequencies but clearly carriers will be issuing their own embargoes to ensure capacity for national teams and VIPs.

Executive jets, both private and government-owned have very limited access at Heathrow and are banned for the period of the games including Air Force One.

For the Olympics, Heathrow is expected to see an unprecedented increase in baggage throughput.  Business people normally travel light, but athletes and their support staff have a reputation as ‘heavy’ clients.  A spokesman for London also noted: “we want them to spend at the shops and take their goods home too!”

Olympians inbound will go through normal border controls but for departures Heathrow is building a temporary departure terminal and athletes can check in their luggage beforehand at the Olympic Village.

Put the following dates in your diary if you are a regular Heathrow traveller.  16 July – peak arrivals.  26 July – the day before the opening ceremony. 13 August – the day after the closing ceremony. www.heathrowairport.com

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