The United Kingdom's Foreign Office has asked world leaders traveling to London for Queen Elizabeth's funeral to travel via commercial flights and buses to Westminster Abbey, where the funeral will be held the following Monday.

World leaders asked to fly commercially, where possible

United States President Joe Biden has confirmed that he will attend Queen Elizabeth's funeral in London next week. But how he will get there may not be an easy answer. According to SkyNews, Politico obtained documents from the United Kingdom's Foreign Office which show that world leaders have been asked to fly to the UK onboard commercial flights and travel to the funeral via bus.

At face value, this seems like an absurd request because of the security of world leaders. In a world post 9/11, security in air transportation has been heightened significantly. So why is the Foreign Office requesting that world leaders fly commercial next week?

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In addition to flying on the modified Boeing 747 known as Air Force One, the United States President flies shorter distances in Marine helicopters, known as Marine One. Photo: Getty Images

The Queen's funeral will be one of the most significant international events hosted by the United Kingdom in recent years, perhaps one of the most important events in decades. The service will draw leaders from the entire world to London. The UK is anticipating such a large attendance that only one senior representative from each country will be allowed to attend, along with their spouse.

Passengers flying through UK airports have been informed that "unforeseen events may require commercial and private flights to divert from the intended airport of arrival." The department also added that London Heathrow Airport would not be available for private flights or aircraft parking. Heads of state have also been told that helicopter flights will not be allowed between airports and venues because of the number of flights operating at this time.

Will President Biden fly on the Boeing 747 commonly known as Air Force One?

It is impossible to imagine a scenario in which the President of the United States would fly commercially. With the Foreign Office's request, what are the options for President Biden's travel to the United States? First, I believe that the likeliest scenario is that the Secret Service (responsible for the protection of the President) and Air Force / Marines (in charge of transportation of the President) will likely politely decline the Foreign Office's request.

The President will probably fly to London onboard the Boeing 747, known as Air Force One. As mentioned above, air travel security has been elevated to new levels since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Because of this and many other events, diplomatic travel and security are taken very seriously.

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The United States President travels with a large motorcade, transported by air when visiting foreign countries. Photo: dbking via Wikemedia Commons

Another option is to modify the President's usual travel operations and use another aircraft, which could be accommodated at a smaller airport in London, leading to fewer disruptions. And depending on the airport, there may be no operational disruptions.

The United States could stage a gathering of multiple world leaders in a neighboring country, assuming responsibility for transport into London onboard the 747, which can accommodate numerous people. Consolidating the transportation of many leaders onto one aircraft would undoubtedly be helpful to the Foreign Office's request. But depending on the number of leaders, this can also become a very high safety threat, to have multiple leaders being transported at one time.

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Air Force Two, the VP's usual aircraft, also has the range to fly transatlantic. Photo: Sam Meyer via Wikimedia Commons

The least likely scenario is that the President flies to London on a commercial flight. In addition to the question of air travel, land travel in the country remains a challenge. Leaders have been told that they will be transported via buses to Westminster Abbey in London to reduce vehicular traffic congestion in the streets of London. This also threatens world leaders, especially the US President, who travels with a large motorcade.

Simple Flying has contacted the White House regarding the President's travel to the United Kingdom for the Queen's funeral. At the time of publication, we have not received a reply. Should we receive a comment from the White House, the story will be updated accordingly.

How do you think President Biden will travel to the Queen's Funeral? Let us know in the comments below.