Terminal 5 problems - latest

2008-04-18

After the ease and simplicity of parking with APH at Heathrow, many travelers are currently struggling to get through the new Terminal 5, opened by the Queen recently.

British Airways claims the delays are due to baggage handling problems, but this did nothing to mollify the mounting angst of hundreds of waiting passengers. Passengers departing and arriving were affected, with baggage problems causing delays, cancellations and misery.

One fifth of flights to Europe from the troubled terminal were scrapped on Saturday March 29 - 67 out of the 330 scheduled. A further 37 flights were cancelled on Sunday.

Check-in was suspended for an hour on Saturday morning as airport workers attempted to deal with the backlog.

The airline retracted its £100 limit for delayed passengers' accommodation, saying it would look at all reasonable claims for costs.

BBC News reported that airport operator BAA confirmed that a "small percentage" of lifts at the terminal were not working on Saturday, but added they were either not in passenger areas or would not interfere with passenger flow.

BA said it apologised to its customers for disruption and its operational staff were working "tirelessly" to make the "operation work robustly".

And our advice? Check before travelling. BA has set up a special information line for Terminal 5 passengers, on 0800 727800, or you can visit the BA web site to check the latest status of terminal operations.

The latest news is that long-haul flights are operating, and all passengers will be able to check in with both hand and hold baggage

Under aviation rules, an airline is obliged to supply meals and refreshments, along with accommodation if an overnight stay is required, when a flight is delayed.