BA anger over Bush's Heathrow disruption

The head of British Airways has hit out at Heathrow owners BAA after they allowed George Bush to land at the airport and delay thousands of passengers.

Chief executive Willie Walsh said he was "angry" after the cancellation of at least 69 flights and the disruption to 40,000 travellers.

He said: "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."

Mr Walsh said the disruption lasted for four days as the airport rehearsed for Mr Bush's arrival and then closed a runway for his real arrival and departure on 15 and 16 June. Departing flights were banned on two separate-occasions on 15 June, leading to six-hour delays for passengers, Mr Walsh said. BA cancelled 53 flights and other airlines cancelled 16, and there were delays to 260 more.

A BAA spokesman said Heathrow was the best place for Mr Bush and his entourage to arrive because they were visiting Windsor Castle and because the airport has good security.

He said: "BAA airlines and other business partners at Heathrow did everything in their power to minimise disruption at the airport during George Bush's presidential visit.

"Despite our best efforts, some disruption did occur, for which we apologise to passengers affected."