Heathrow Airport may not be able to cope with the extra number of passengers during the Olympic Games, warn MPs. A letter seen by the BBC from Culture Select Committee chairman John Whittingdale sent to Culture, Media and Sport secretary Jeremy Hunt, outlines Mr Whittingdale’s concern over Heathrow’s ability to cope with the arrival of ordinary passengers during the Games.

It said: “While visiting tourists will understand that the Olympics is a busy time, if the wait (at immigration) is in excess of an hour it may deter tourists from returning.

“The second impact may be that planes cannot unload their passengers into the terminal due to capacity being exceeded. This would lead to circling in the air, planes being left on runways or planes blocking gates.”

Airport operator, BAA, said waiting times at Border Control were “frequently unacceptable” at peak periods and has asked Border Force to address the problem before it’s too late.

The sentiment is echoed by warnings made by four airlines earlier this year (British Airways, BMI, Easyjet and Virgin Atlantic), and also by Shadow Olympics minister Tessa Jowell, who said failure to act could harm tourism “for years to come”.

Border Force says it is now working with BAA to ensure it will be ready to cope with the extra passengers.

The clock is ticking! Picture by Flickr User Ben Sutherland

Over 1 in 10 Brits will be going abroad on holiday specifically to avoid the London 2012 Olympics. 12% of the 2,018 adults asked in the ABTA commissioned poll, said they would b going overseas between 27th July and 12th August to get away from the games. Whereas 9% said they were looking for a holidays in the UK that was Olympics free.

Of those who were staying put, 30% said that they ignore the Games completely, whereas 11% are planning to take time off to watch the Games on TV, and 5% will take time off to attend events. 31% said that although they will not take time off during the events, they are excited about them nonetheless.

ABTA head of communications Victoria Bacon said: “With only six months to go until one of the biggest sporting events in our country’s history, it’s clear that hundreds of thousands, especially the young, will be taking time off to enjoy London 2012. However, for those who don’t love sports or want to escape the crowds, going abroad will provide a welcome alternative.”

The research was conducted by Arkenford Ltd, which specialises in tourism and leisure market research.

So, will you be staying for the Olympics, going away, or ignoring them? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.