Heathrow's Christmas chaos costs airport CEO his bonus - USA Today

Heathrow's Christmas chaos costs airport CEO his bonus

Comments  4

By Ben Mutzabaugh, USA TODAY

London Heathrow's top executive announced today that he'd give up his bonus -- perhaps worth nearly $1 million dollars -- after wintry weather crippled his airport, one of the world's busiest hubs.

The Associated Press writes "heavy criticism of the airport's inability to cope with snow prompted Colin Matthews, the [CEO] of operator BAA, to announce he would forgo his bonus and keep his focus on 'keeping people moving and rebuilding confidence in Heathrow.' It was not immediately clear what Matthew's bonus amounts to, but BAA said his salary and bonuses last year came to 944,000 pounds ($1.46 million)."

AT A GLANCE: Who runs London's Heathrow Airport?
PHOTO GALLERY: Europe's air-travel chaos, in photos

AFP reports that related labor groups had said Matthew's acceptance of the bonus would amount to an "absolute slap in the face" to stranded passengers.

RELATED: Travel crisis eases in Europe, but tens of thousands still stranded

The Daily Mail of London says "furious airlines have now hit out at Heathrow's owners BAA, insisting the company did not stock up on enough de-icing fluid to keep its two runways open."

Even London Mayor Boris Johnson joined in the chorus of criticism, saying: "I really hope BAA is learning some very serious lessons; they have got to be ready next time."

As for Matthews, losing the bonus will hurt, but The Telegraph of London as he may still in line for a separate -- and large -- payout.

The newspaper writes Matthews, "who earned more than £1m last year, is still likely to be paid a second six-figure bonus for the company's financial performance this year. The cash bonus, which will be paid out in November 2012, will not be affected by the chaos at Heathrow this week and is linked solely to the company's underlying earnings."

Matthews, however, tried to throw cold water on that report, according to the Sky News.

The British news network writes on its website that "Matthews denied he was receiving a 'secret bonus' as reported in some media."

Regardless, Matthews pledged to modify Heathrow's strategic planning.

"We have to assume we'll have weather like this in the future," he says to Sky News. "We will need to purchase new equipment and we will need to do it quickly. We must make sure this does not happen again."

NEW BOOKMARK: Add Today in the Sky to your favorites

You can follow me on Twitter at  twitter.com/TodayInTheSky.

Posted Dec 22 2010 11:33AM