It is estimated that about 80 per cent of people travelling to the Games from outside the UK including athletes, officials, media and spectators will pass through the airport.

The agreement also sees Heathrow become London 2012's 42nd domestic sponsor. 

"For many athletes, officials and spectators, their first experience of London and the UK will be Heathrow," said  Chris Townsend, the London 2012 commercial director.

"I'm delighted that BAA (British Airports Authority) and the airport are committed to ensuring that first impression will reflect London 2012 in terms of branding, but crucially also by providing the warmest of welcomes to the city."

The day after the Olympic Closing Ceremony is set to be the airport's busiest day ever as 218,000 bags are expected to leave the airport on August 13, 2012, compared to 160,000 on the previous busiest day.

A range of options are being considered to manage the extra demand, including baggage drop facilities at the Athletes' Village, shipping some baggage as freight, and construction of a temporary 'Olympic terminal' at the airport.

Around 15 per cent of the bags will be oversized sporting equipment such as canoes, pole vaults or bikes which cannot be processed through normal baggage systems.

Heathrow has also launched its own volunteer scheme for London 2012 and other major events.

The airport will recruit 1,000 volunteers from local communities who will meet and greet athletes, VIPs and spectators during Games time.

"We are tremendously proud to be the host airport of the London 2012 Games," said Colin Matthews, the BAA chief executive. 

"Every part of the airport is working together so we can give the world's greatest athletes the world's greatest welcome."

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