The only people I've noticed being smug about this is the BBC. Before the programme started they made a point of stating how it's content had been "extensively researched". This gives the impression that what followed had authority and integrity. Controllers are well used to the general ignorance amongst the public about their profession. The ordinary viewer is in no position to question any of the points made in the programme. The result is alarm amongst the travelling public, and the residents of Hounslow, for no good reason. No amount of reassurance from the profession is likely to allay this.
Much of what was portrayed was inaccurate and implausible. The whole scenario was contrived to achieve the points the programme makers wanted to get across. In my view it was shameful.
The "extensive research" failed to discover the London Air Traffic Control Centre at Swanwick, or consider what part it might play in this scenario. Perhaps it is just a mirage! Even the "expert" on Newsnight seemed unaware it had opened, all he knew was that it was late.
This leads me to wonder if the "expert" and "extensive research" are somehow connected!
Finally, and most telling of all, they would never hold an England friendly international on the Friday before Christmas!