London 2012 is fast approaching and the transport network is going to be significantly impacted during the Games. This will affect not only those who travel to and from the event itself, but also the business community around the Olympic Games venues across London as well. (See here for list of venues/affected areas.)

London itself will experience peak congestion during this event and, for the benefit of those travelling by chartered aircraft to Olympic games events, we have spent a considerable amount of time researching the most appropriate routes to London and have ensured that our pilots are properly prepared for flying in and out of the three main Olympic games airports: London City, London Biggin Hill and London Southend. This research has prompted AERO ALLIANCE to issue a travel advisory.

The London Olympics village under construction in 2010. (Photo. by A. Bland, Aero Alliance.)

London City and London Biggin Hill are the closest airports to the majority of Olympic venues in the capital with London Southend a very close third. Arrival at any other general aviation airport will require an overland public transport journey in excess of 2 hours. It is known that movements at London City will be restricted and Biggin Hill does not have extended opening hours, so demand for landing slots at these airports will be high and we recommend making travel arrangements well in advance.

London City Airport showing its proximity to the O2 Arena, an Olympics venue, and central London. (Photo. by A. Bland, Aero Alliance.)

Be prepared to be flexible with your travelling arrangements. The situation regarding airfield opening hours etc. may change and your operator may have to revise travel plans. Experienced charter operators should have a contingency plan to cope for this as well as aircraft serviceablity and even crewing issues, so please make sure that you are confident that you are dealing with a competent operator.

Chartering an aircraft is not as straight forward as buying a ticket for a scheduled airline service and is considerably more expensive. Payments to charter companies may not be ATOL protected. Do make sure that you understand the terms and conditions of your charter agreement - ask for them to be explained to you.

AERO ALLIANCE is staffed by experienced charter pilots and air travel organisers and has relations with many operating companies across and beyond the South East of England. Our knowlege and independence allows us to find our customers the best value (and often the most cost-effective) solutions to their air charter requirements. Please contact us to discuss your air taxi needs for the London Olympic games.