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Heathrow Terminal 5 suffers first day baggage chaos
"Teething problems" cause 33 flight cancellations...

By Tim Ferguson

Published: Thursday 27 March 2008

On opening day of Heathrow's £4.3bn Terminal 5 (T5), passengers have been hit by delays and flight cancellations as a result of problems with the new high-tech baggage system.

On Thursday evening the problems with the baggage system led to all luggage check-in at the new terminal being suspended.

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British Airways (BA) - the sole airline using T5 - had to cancel 33 flights (departing and arriving) before 14:00(GMT) due to the baggage system problems, although the majority of delayed passengers were moved onto later flights.

Reports said some passengers had to wait up to two-and-a-half hours after their flight had landed before getting their luggage back.

Heathrow owner and operator, BAA, said the issue was "quickly rectified" with the baggage system now fully operational.

A BAA statement said: "Early this morning there was a minor problem with log-ons of the baggage system which affected the baggage on some outgoing flights."

BA added there were a "few minor problems" with the first day of operation at T5 including "baggage performance issues".

The airline attributed the problems to car parking, delays in staff security screening and staff familiarisation with the terminal.

A BA statement said: "This is not unexpected following one of the most complex and largest airport moves in history."

BA added the issues have now been resolved and apologised to passengers for any inconvenience caused.