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27/03/2008
'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)
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)
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04 June 2014
Heathrow T2 Welcomes First Passengers
Heathrow's new Terminal 2 has welcomed its first passengers, as the airport insists it has learned lessons from the opening of Terminal 5, but warns of potential problems during the new terminal's infancy. The west London £2.
Heathrow T2 Welcomes First Passengers
Heathrow's new Terminal 2 has welcomed its first passengers, as the airport insists it has learned lessons from the opening of Terminal 5, but warns of potential problems during the new terminal's infancy. The west London £2.
01 April 2008
Baggage Blues For BA Passengers
The beleaguered airline, BA has issued a fresh apology to thousands of travellers who are without their luggage. Chaos ensued after the opening of Terminal 5, with problems ranging from staff parking to computer hitches.
Baggage Blues For BA Passengers
The beleaguered airline, BA has issued a fresh apology to thousands of travellers who are without their luggage. Chaos ensued after the opening of Terminal 5, with problems ranging from staff parking to computer hitches.
14 March 2008
Queen Opens Terminal 5 At Heathrow
The Queen has officially opened Terminal 5 at Heathrow, just 24 hours after a man was arrested for running onto a runway at the airport. The new £4.3 billion terminal was opened by the monarch amid strict security.
Queen Opens Terminal 5 At Heathrow
The Queen has officially opened Terminal 5 at Heathrow, just 24 hours after a man was arrested for running onto a runway at the airport. The new £4.3 billion terminal was opened by the monarch amid strict security.
28 March 2008
Bumpy Ride For British Airways At T5
The bumpy start to the opening of Terminal 5 is likely to be replicated today with baggage backlogs, lack of information and tempers fraying. Yesterday hold luggage services were suspended and 34 flights were cancelled.
Bumpy Ride For British Airways At T5
The bumpy start to the opening of Terminal 5 is likely to be replicated today with baggage backlogs, lack of information and tempers fraying. Yesterday hold luggage services were suspended and 34 flights were cancelled.
21 July 2003
BA advises passengers to check in as normal
British Airways has advised passengers who have a flight booked for today to check-in as normal – despite the massive backlog following on from last week's unballoted strike action by staff at Heathrow. The airline has said that it is hoping to "operate close to a full schedule of flights today".
BA advises passengers to check in as normal
British Airways has advised passengers who have a flight booked for today to check-in as normal – despite the massive backlog following on from last week's unballoted strike action by staff at Heathrow. The airline has said that it is hoping to "operate close to a full schedule of flights today".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
