American football stars visit Gatwick Airport

Gatwick Airport played host to some heavyweight visitors this week when it welcomed two teams from the US National Football League (NFL).

The New Orleans Saints and the San Diego Chargers flew into London at the beginning of the week ahead of their game at Wembley Stadium on October 26th.

After being flown in from Charlotte in North Carolina and Buffalo in New York, the teams were whisked off to their London hotels to settle in.

London hosted the first regular season NFL game outside the USA last year when the Miami Dolphins played the New York Giants at Wembley.

David Stretch, BAA's customer service director, said: "Following last year's visit by the NFL Miami Dolphins, we are delighted to welcome both teams playing the London game this year.

"Gatwick Airport has a long and proud connection with many cities across North America and we are pleased to have been able to roll out the red carpet for the NFL again this year."

American football is the most popular spectator sport in the United States, with the Super Bowl perennially ranked as the country's most-watched television broadcast of the year.

• 'Spectacular events' in Italy
• US connecting flights proving popular at Bristol Airport
• Record year for London City Airport
• Virgin Atlantic to celebrate 25th year
• Celebrate St Patrick's Day in Dublin
• Long haul trips 'offer best value this year'
• Record passenger growth for Etihad in 2008
• Hotel offers to boost Dubai Shopping Festival tourism
• KLM to turn 90 this year
• Spain top for Scots in 2009