UK warned over marathon airport waits

[April 28, 2012]  LONDON (AP) -- Airport authorities say Britain's government must urgently address chaos at the country's borders to prevent disruption for Olympic visitors.

Lawmakers and the aviation industry have raised concerns amid lengthy waits for passengers arriving at immigration desks on flights into the British capital. Passengers faced a wait of up to an hour on Friday at Heathrow's Terminal 5.

BAA Ltd., which operates Heathrow and Stansted airports in London, said Saturday that Britain's border agency was not providing enough staff to conduct checks, causing the delays.

It says in a statement it called on the government "to address the problem as a matter of urgency."

Lawmaker Keith Vaz said that with the Olympics beginning in July, Britain's reputation was at stake.

[Associated Press]

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