Temporary terminal for the 2012 Olympics in Heathrow Airport

Foreigners travelling to the UK for the 2012 London Olympics will be happy to know that Heathrow Airport has unveiled plans to build a temporary terminal to deal with increased demand from departing athletes after the games finish. This means the other terminals and immigration checks at Heathrow will be more accessible to travellers and, hopefully, less congested than would otherwise be the case. After the end of the Olympic Games the 'Games Terminal' will be the departure point for an estimated 10,100 athletes. It is needed to help manage the anticipated surge in passenger numbers, resulting in an increase in the number of immigration and visa checks, and an increase in baggage volume. According to Heathrow airport, the day after the London Olympics closing ceremony, August 13, is likely to be the busiest day in the airport's history. The airport is forecasting 35 percent more departing bags than on a normal day. Heathrow is also expecting a 45 percent increase over the usual number of arriving passengers on 26 July, the day before the Opening Ceremony. The 'Games Terminal' will operate between 13 to 15 August and is expected to divert up to 10,100 people and 37,900 bags from other terminals. It will contain 31 check-in desks and be dismantled after the games. No flights will leave from the terminal. Athletes will be bussed to departure lounges. Immigration and visa check will continue to be dealt with in the main terminals. Nick Cole, head of Olympic and Paralympics planning at Heathrow, said, "The London 2012 Games will be a unique operational task and a massive challenge for Heathrow. "The airport is one of the most popular international airports in the world and already operates close to capacity. Every part of the airport is working together to ensure we can give the athletes a warm welcome and ensure all passengers enjoy the atmosphere," he added. This news follows an earlier announcement from UK immigration stating that Olympic VIPs will be given dedicated immigration and passport lanes at Heathrow Airport in order to fast-track the entry of 25,000 athletes, coaches and officials. Those travelling for the London Olympics should note that the UK has begun processing Visitor visas for the 2012 London Olympics. We advise you to apply as soon as possible so that UK immigration officials have plenty of time to process your application. You will normally then be issued with a UK visitor visa with a start date that will cover you for the whole Olympic and Paralympics Games period. Once you receive your UK visitor visa, you can then travel to the UK for the Games from the beginning of 2012. To find out if you are eligible to immigrate to UK, you can fill out our free assessment form, or call us now and speak to our US immigration specialists on 0207 100 1919.