The airport, which has become the 42nd domestic sponsor of the Games, is considering building a temporary terminal to handle additional demand during the event. Around 80% of all visitors to the Olympics are expected to pass through Heathrow and August 13, 2012, the day after the closing ceremony of the Games, is expected to be the busiest in the airport’s history, with 218,000 bags set to be processed through departures.
“For many athletes, officials and spectators, their first experience of London and the UK will be Heathrow,” said Chris Townsend, commercial director of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games. “I’m delighted that BAA and the airport are committed to ensuring that first impression will reflect London 2012 in terms of branding, but crucially also by providing the warmest of welcomes to the city.”
Colin Matthews, chief executive of the British Aviation Authority, the owner of the airport, added: “Heathrow will be the first and last impression of the London 2012 Games for thousands of people. We are tremendously proud to be the host airport of the London 2012 Games. Every part of the airport is working together so we can give the world’s greatest athletes the world’s greatest welcome.”
