Mayor Boris Johnson is angry over the immigration issues prevailing in the country’s busiest airport, and has expressed concern that the troubles at Heathrow is marring England’s reputation, especially ahead of the London 2012 Olympics.

“This summer, with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Games, gives us a once in generation’s opportunity to promote what is very best about London and the U.K.”, Johnson said, regretting that the current chaos at Heathrow is churning out “a terrible impression of the U.K.” to the outside world with passengers having to wait for longer than usual at immigration.

Johnson said he is eagerly waiting for the UK Border Agency and the Home Office to resolve the ongoing crisis, so that London can soon become fully prepared to host the Olympic Games and other major events.

The recent row over inbound-traffic delays at Heathrow airport was fuelled after the Home Office had asked BAA not to distribute leaflets apologising for the harassment passengers faced at the immigration counters.

While BAA wanted to issue formal apologies to the arriving passengers at the airport for the delays they had experienced, the UK Border Agency at Heathrow ruled out against it, saying that the matter should be left with the government.

“The leaflet… is both inflammatory and likely to increase tensions in arrivals halls especially in the current atmosphere. It is inappropriate in that it is not for you to display how to complain on our behalf”, director of UK Border Agency operations at Heathrow Marc Owen said in a statement.

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