I see the House of Lords had a quick scamper around the Heathrow fiasco at
Airports: Heathrow — Question: 23 Jan 2013: House of Lords debates - TheyWorkForYou
and Lord Attlee drew attention to the inclusion of an operational resilience condition in the likely licences to be issued under the Civil Aviation Act.
I haven't seen if the CAA has issued any more recent guidance as to what form that may take - but one indicative proposal was included in
www.caa.co.uk/docs/589/20121106%20CAA%20presentation%20on%20airport%20licences%20AP FG%2812%2908.pdf
The licensee shall operate an efficient and reliable airport.
The licensee shall effectively cooperate and coordinate with all relevant parties at the airport in meeting the requirements of this condition.
In the event of service disruption, however caused, the licensee shall use best endeavours to
a) minimise detriment to passengers
b) not unduly discriminate between classes of providers or (?of) air transport services and passengers and
c) provide or ensure the provision of timely, accurate and clear information to, and adequate communication with, passengers......