London Heathrow Airport appears to be unaffected by public sector strikes, with travelers reporting no delays.
Passengers on inbound flights had been warned of massive queues at the immigration desks due to striking border agency staff, Sky News reports.
Nevertheless, Spanish-owned airport operator BAA soon reduced their initial estimates down to about three hours.
On Wednesday, international travellers arriving at Heathrow Terminal 1 reported no delays at passport control, thanks to two-thirds of immigration officials showing up for work.
Passengers said officials in the arrivals hall had seats, biscuits and water on hand in case the queues built up, reports Sky News.
Some passengers said they would have been prepared to fly straight back if confronted with a lengthy wait.
Flights were arriving ahead of schedule and check-in desks for flights departing Heathrow were quiet.
In anticipation of severe disruption, some airlines had agreed to reduce passenger numbers to prevent build-ups at the passport desks, Sky News reports.
Border officials who did not turn up for work were among up to two million public sector workers in Britain on strike on Wednesday over changes to their pensions, in what unions called the biggest walkout in decades.
Britain’s Cabinet Office ministry said in a statement, “There has been no serious disruption reported at UK border entry points. UK borders are open and operating,” reports Sky News.
“Currently there are no reports of excessive queues at any port. Additionally more staff than expected have turned up to work at some ports and airports and all UK Border Agency buildings are open,” the ministry added.
