The CEO of Heathrow Airport has come under fire after allegedly dozing off during a high-stakes emergency drill, sparking criticism over his commitment to passenger safety.
Witnesses claim the senior executive was seen nodding off multiple times during the simulated crisis scenario, designed to test the airport's response to major incidents like terror attacks or natural disasters.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
The embarrassing incident has raised serious questions about management at Britain's busiest airport, which handles over 80 million passengers annually. Aviation experts warn that such lapses could have catastrophic consequences in real emergency situations.
Industry Reaction
"This is deeply concerning behaviour from someone responsible for millions of travellers' safety," said one industry insider. "Emergency drills are not optional – they're vital preparation that saves lives."
The revelation comes as Heathrow faces increasing pressure to improve its operational resilience following recent travel chaos and staff shortages.
Airport's Response
Heathrow officials have declined to comment specifically on the allegations but emphasised their "unwavering commitment to passenger safety" in a brief statement.
This incident follows a series of high-profile challenges for the aviation sector, including:
- Staffing shortages causing flight cancellations
- Ongoing border control issues
- Increased security threats
