Heathrow operator role in 2012 Olympics questioned

Several airlines, commercial aviation industry analysts and frequent fliers are calling into question the British Olympic Delivery Authority’s (ODA) recent decision to give BAA, London-Heathrow Airport’s operator and owner, an important role in the planning of the 2012 Summer Games, in terms of security-related issues. According to a report in the Times, the ODA is especially keen to get BAA’s recommendations and opinion on what type of security equipment should be purchased for the Olympics.

According to the Times’ sources, BAA is probably not receiving any financial compensation for its contribution, yet the decision to seek the airport operator’s opinion is still raising eyebrows. Virgin Atlantic, one of the major airlines operating out of Heathrow, issued a statement in which it cynically noted that BAA could offer the ODA valuable tips and “plenty of knowledge about queues to share with the 2012 organisers.” Ryanair’s criticism was even more biting than that offered by Virgin Atlantic. The Irish low cost airline observed that if BAA is placed in charge of security for 2012, Olympic athletes will be “lucky to get in by 2013.” But BAA countered this criticism by pointing out that it had recently invested a lot of new money in making the security process more effective at Heathrow and as a result, passengers are normally screened in less than 10 minutes.

Thank you to The Times for the initial report and direct quotes.

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