After much anticipation and build up, the opening of Heathrow's Terminal 5 proved to be catastrophic for airport operator BAA and British Airlines (BA), who have exclusive use of the terminal. With cancelled flights and baggage pile ups, the commencement of the "21st Century gateway to Britain" was marred with negativity. In an effort to clear the backlog at the airport, BA have sent thousands of suitcases to Milan.

The baggage problems that have plagued Terminal 5 since opening day have meant a mountain of luggage has grown at the hub. There are currently 400 volunteer staff working to clear the backlog with BA stating that it's priority is to reunite passengers with their luggage. Accordingly much of the backlog has been shipped to other destinations, including Milan, where measures are in place to deal with such vast amounts.

Explaining the transfer of baggage, a BA spokesperson stated: "It is quicker for bags with European mainland addresses to go to Milan for sorting and onward transport than waiting for space to appear on flights leaving Heathrow."

Airport operator BAA have issued the statement: "BAA's first duty is to passengers and airlines. Today at t5, we are focusing all of our efforts with British Airways to resolve baggage issues and to delver a good service to passengers. Elsewhere at Heathrow, our terminals are working normally."

During the £4.3 billion Terminal 5's first three days a total of 208 flights in and out of the terminal were cancelled after difficulties with the baggage handling and staff training created chaos. With cancellations continuing it is expected that 50 domestic and European flights will be cancelled today (Wednesday 2nd April) with long haul flights operating as scheduled.

Passengers due to use Terminal 5 are advised to contact British Airways before heading off for the airport. UK customers should contact us while passengers outside of the UK should contact their local BA office. Remember to check back with BCP for all the latest information on the situation as it develops.