Chaos mars Terminal 5's first day

Last Modified: 27 Mar 2008
By: Lindsay Taylor

Heathrow's new terminal suffers a disastrous opening day, with long queues, cancelled flights and delayed luggage.

BA was forced to cancel 35 shorthaul and domestic flights.

And the British carrier was forced to admit that in spite of lots of rehearsals, there had been a problem with staff car parking, as well as staff security screening and what it called "familiarisation" with the £4.3bn terminal building.

The first flight early this morning arrived early - a good start as Heathrow Terminal 5 opened to passengers. BA promised the problems were being resolved.

But nothing else went to plan. And as the day wore on it got far worse, with dozens of flights cancelled, long queues and delayed baggage - in spite of six years of planning.

British airports operator BAA has not yet commented.

And British Airways have issued a helpline for people to call for the latest information about Terminal 5: 0800 727 800. Alternatively, check www.britishairways.com.