London 2012 Olympics

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Preparations Underway for London 2012 Olympics

April 30, 2012

Civil aviation authorities in the United Kingdom are expecting a significant increase in aircraft movements during both the 2012 London Olympics and also the Paralympic Games. The Olympic Games are scheduled for July 27 to August 12 and the Paralympic Games will be held August 29 to September 9. Operators can expect airspace restrictions and slot restrictions at certain airports while the games are in progress.

Current plans call for takeoff and departure slots to be allocated at many airports, with slots at peak times expected to be in heavy demand. The 14 principal business airports in the UK are expected to handle more than 110,000 movements in addition to their normal traffic during the 31-day peak period.

Airspace Restrictions

The UK government is in the process of developing airspace restrictions that will be in place during the Games. The major restrictions will be centered on London and the Olympic Park and will run from July 14 to August 15. A smaller set of airspace restrictions will in place for the Paralympic Games from August 16 to September 12. Airspace restrictions around other Games venues will only be in place for the duration of the event at each venue, in line with those used for major sporting events. Extra security restrictions may be placed on flights at any time.

Within the restricted airspace there will be an inner prohibited zone where only aircraft that have undergone crew, passenger and baggage screening in accordance with the relevant aviation security program, and are inbound to or outbound from Heathrow, London City RAF Northolt, Biggin Hill and under the control of those airports or NATS TC or Thames Radar will be allowed.

There will also be an outer restricted zone where aircraft with an approved flight plan, in communication with ATC, and squawking a discrete transponder code will be allowed to operate.

Airport Slots

From July 21 to August 15, a slot reservation system will be in place for coordinated airports in Southeast England. Non-scheduled operators will need to have an arrival/departure slot before using a number of airports in the London area.

Slots for non-scheduled operations at the airports listed below can be booked beginning on the following dates:

September 5, 2011

  • Biggin Hill, Blackbushe, Cambridge, Chalgrove, Coventry, Cranfield, Damyns Hall, Denham, Dunsfold, Duxford, Elstree, Fairoaks, Farnborough, Goodwood, Lee-on-Solent, Leicester, Lydd (London Ashford), London Oxford, Manston, Northampton, Northolt, North Weald, Old Sarum, Peterborough (Conington), Redhill, Rochester, Shoreham, Southend, Stapleford, Thruxton, White Waltham, Wycombe.

November 30, 2011

  • Stansted, Birmingham, Luton and Bournemouth

February 1, 2012

  • Southampton and London City

At Gatwick booking for non-scheduled flights will remain as per UK AIP (not more than 10 days and preferably not less than 24 hours before the intended movement). Heathrow is likely to declare reduced capacity at certain times during the Olympics period due to peak demand, and are unlikely to be available for non-scheduled flights during this period

Operators can review slot availability through the online coordination website and reservations can be made by contact the appropriate airport or handling agent.

Learn More about Slot Requirements

News

April 30, 2012
UK Airspace and Procedure Changes Surround Olympic Games
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August 5, 2011
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May 18, 2011
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