As we enter countdown for the London 2012 Olympic games, Heathrow Airport has published a few interesting titbits on how it’s going to cope.
Heathrow predict that 80% of overseas London 2012 visitors will flow through the airport, and are even constructing a temporary “Olympic Terminal” to assist for the games (operating from 13-15 August).
More importantly, Heathrow has published it’s predicted pinch points dates – so if you’re planning to fly into Heathrow on these dates (or planning to come), it might be an idea to put these in your diary as dates to avoid LHR.
- 16 July – Peak day for Olympic athlete arrival
- 26 July – Day before Olympic Opening Ceremony and peak day for arrival of sponsors/media
- 13 August – Day after Olympic Closing Ceremony – expected to be busiest day in Heathrow’s history
- 22 August – Peak day for arrival of Paralympic athletes
- 28 August – Day before Paralympic Opening Ceremony and peak day for arrival of sponsors/media
- 10 September – Day after Paralympic Closing Ceremony
Heathrow is slowly rehearsing and testing for the games, with prediction there may not be enough floor space for all, with controlled luggage movements maybe needed.
If you can avoid the peak departure/arrival dates… do so. It’s going be nothing but pain otherwise….