clipped from: www.guardian.co.uk   

British Airways boss slams BAA over George Bush flights


George Bush and Laura Bush wave from Air Force One after landing at Heathrow

British Airways has slammed Heathrow owner BAA for allowing George Bush to fly into the UK's biggest airport, forcing the cancellation of at least 69 flights and disrupting the travel plans of 40,000 passengers.


Willie Walsh, BA chief executive, said he was "angry" that the presidential entourage, which included two Boeing 747 jets and four helicopters, caused chaos 10 days ago as runways were closed and planes were grounded. "The decision to allow President Bush and his fleet of aircraft to fly into Heathrow rather than a military base was one all of Heathrow's users could have done without." He added: "I am also angry that this was allowed."

clipped from: news.bbc.co.uk   
British Airways chief executive Willie Walsh
clipped from: www.guardian.co.uk   
Walsh said the disruption began two days before the President's visit on June 15 and lasted for the two days that his party stayed in the UK

Heathrow was reduced to one working runway for 30 minutes on June 15 and the following day, after a runway was closed temporarily for

Air Force One

June 23