Bush's visit disrupts about 40,000 fliers

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-25  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

NEARLY 40,000 travelers will remember United States President George W. Bush's stopover in London. Their flights were canceled or delayed at Heathrow Airport to accommodate him, according to British Airways.

BAA, the airport owner, confirmed yesterday that 32 arrivals and 36 departures, mostly British Airways flights, were canceled on June 15, when Bush arrived, and the following day, when he left.

BAA had no figures on delays related to the president's visit. The company said Heathrow handles 1,300 arrivals and departures per day.

"BAA, the airlines and other business partners at Heathrow did everything in their power to minimize disruption at the airport during George Bush's presidential visit," BAA said, "Despite our best efforts some disruption did occur, for which we apologize to passengers affected."

British Airways' Chief Executive, Willie Walsh, said the disruption was unnecessary.