London Heathrow airport has made an investment over GBP20 million to manage the unique challenges from extra demand during the Games period.

Up to 80 percent of visitors, athletes, officials and media are expected to travel through the airport and 138,000 passengers expected to depart on its busiest day in history during the Games.

The busiest days are expected from 13 – 15 August when the airport anticipates a 39 percent spike in departing passengers with an 85 percent increase in direct departing bags.

The long-term development will further enhance the airports world-class facilities and infrastructure to meet growing demand.

The immediate measures taken to minimise disruption during the Games is the construction of a temporary Games Terminal.  The dedicated departure terminal for passengers and Olympic athletes to use during this busy time provides 31 check-in desks and 7 security lanes for a more efficient arrival process.

Further committing to improving services for the Games, Heathrow has new services to cater for those passengers with reduced mobility and to meet the needs of the Paralympic teams.  These enhancements include providing mobile frames, extra lifts and ramps, powered stair climbers as well as an onsite wheelchair repair facility.

 Supporting the airport enhancements are a further 1,000 trained volunteers to offer assistance and help spectators, greet athletes and VIP’s and assist with media.

Passengers who are travelling during Games time are advised to arrive at the normal time for their flights and use the Heathrow Express to connect to the airport to avoid London’s public transport network which may experience congestion during this time.