‘Seven-Hour Heathrow Backlog’ Alert on Bush Visit

Air passengers are facing delays as preparations get under way for George Bush’s visit to the UK this weekend.

The American President and his entourage will touch down at Heathrow Airport in west London tomorrow as part of his “farewell tour” of Europe.

He will spend the day having tea with the Queen and meeting Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

But passengers are being warned of possible disruption ahead of the real thing because airport staff were carrying out practice runs yesterday.

Delays will be worse tomorrow, according to the Daily Telegraph.

The American travelling party includes the Air Force One 747, a back-up 747, a 757 jet and four helicopters, the newspaper said.

Heathrow has reportedly been ordered to close the runway before the seven aircraft land, with Mr Bush expecting to be given priority by air traffic controllers. The paper warned of backlogs which could take seven hours to clear.

Heathrow said it was used to dealing with high-profile visitors with “minimal effect” on other passengers.

“We are unable to discuss specific details of VIP visits,” a spokesman for the airport said.

“However, we have well- rehearsed plans for dealing with VIP arrivals and departures with minimal effect on Heathrow’s operations.”

The Queen, joined by the Duke of Edinburgh, will host a meeting with the US leader and his wife Barbara at Windsor Castle tomorrow.

Mr Bush is expected to have a meeting with Mr Brown on the same day.

The informal gathering at Berkshire’s royal residence will see the Queen and Prince

Philip sit down to enjoy afternoon tea with the outgoing

President and his spouse and America’s Ambassador to Britain, Robert Tuttle, and his wife Maria.

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