'Teething Problems' For T5

The opening of the new Terminal 5 building at Heathrow has been marred by cancelled flights and baggage delays.

According to reports, British Airways, which is operating from the new terminal, were forced to cancel 34 flights by 2pm on Thursday due to "teething problems".

The cancelled services included flights to Munich, Frankfurt, Paris and Brussels.

Passengers were also facing lengthy delays for their luggage, reportedly due to technical problems with the new state-of-the-art baggage system.

A statement issued by BA acknowledged that "a few minor problems" had affected T5 on its opening day. However, the statement said: "This is not unexpected following one of the most complex and largest airport moves in history."

The statement said that the difficulties also included problems with car parking provision, delays in staff security screening and staff familiarisation with the terminal, as well as "some baggage performance issues".

The BA statement continued: "These issues are being resolved. Overall, customers have given us a very positive reaction to Terminal 5, which we know will be a resounding success."

The £4.3 billion facility was officially opened by the Queen last month. The terminal will be used be British Airways. From today, all BA domestic and most European flights will be moved from Terminal 1 to Terminal 5, as well as long-haul BA flights which operate from Terminal 1 and Miami services, which previously operated from Terminal 3.

It is expected that the new terminal will be able to handle 30 million passengers per year.

Both BA and airport operator BAA said that the new terminal will provide a better travel experience for passengers with fewer delays, but have warned that it could take time for the new terminal to "bed down".

It was revealed today that controversial plans to fingerprint passengers at the new terminal have been temporarily suspended, after concerns were raised by the Information Commissioner over fears that such a move would breach the Data Protection Act. Photographs of passengers will be taken instead.

The building of T5 was opposed by local residents and environmental groups. Demonstrators opposed to further plans for a third runway and a sixth terminal at Heathrow also participated in a protest at the airport today. The protest, which involved around 250 people, took place in the T5 arrivals hall at 11am. The protestors, who were wearing red T-shirts emblazoned with the slogan 'Stop Airport Expansion', passed off peacefully.

(KMcA/JM)