Airlines are warning that there could be “severe delay and disruption” at the major airports in the south-east during the Olympics this summer.
Senior managers at British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Easyjet and Bmi have written to government ministers to warn of potential problems if there is a security alert or major storm during the games in London which run from July 27 to August 12.
In these circumstances, the airlines want permission from the government for priority to be given to scheduled flights, instead of private jets or chartered aircraft. Currently air traffic controller NATS deals with all flights on a first come-first served basis.
“As the situation currently stands the industry believes that there is a significant risk of severe delay and disruption at all of London’s major airports unless urgent action is taken,” said the airlines in the letter.
“Time is running out to ensure that any changes to procedures and the appropriate training is in place prior to the games. We urge both DfT and CAA to support and agree to the proposals that the industry, including NATS, have put forward.
“Failure to respond leaves the UK vulnerable to the type of major disruption that will cause significant reputational damage and would be foolhardy and reckless.”
Airlines are due to meet the CAA to discuss the issue later this week.
For more information visit caa.co.uk
Report by Rob Gill
