Although it seems less and less of us will be going abroad for a summer holiday this year, BAA have announced in a new report that Europe's busiest airport is going to get unprecedentedly busy this year.
On 13 August (the day after the Olympic Closing Ceremony), Heathrow Airport predicts that around 138,000 passengers (45% more than average) will depart taking with them 203,000 bags (35% up on a normal day) and assorted unusual luggage like canoes, pole vaults, bikes etc.
Other days to avoid are:
- 16 July - the peak day for arrival of the Olympic athletes
- 26 July - the day before the Olympic Opening Ceremony and the peak day for the arrival of media and sponsors
- 22 August - the peak day for arrival of the Paralympic athletes
- 28 August - the day before the Paralympic Opening Ceremony and the peak day for the arrival of media and sponsors
- 10 September - the day after the Paralympic Closing Ceremony
Although BAA have already taken measures - including a dedicated temporary terminal, a project team of around 50 full-time staff plus 1,000 volunteers - they expect the forecourts of Terminals 1 and 3 to be amongst their biggest challenges. Between now and July, BAA will be running live tests and drills - let us know if you get caught up in one.
Photo (c) dave_islington from the Londonist Flick pool.
