Heathrow Terminal Five Flight Cancellations Continue
As Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 prepares to enter its first full week of business, it has emerged that flight cancellations will continue to take place over coming days.
British Airways plans to run approximately 85 per cent of its departing flights on the 30th March, after cancelling 37.
For the 31st March and the 1st April, it is planned that 87 per cent of flights will leave the new Heathrow Airport terminal, while following days, says BA, should see a "progressively larger flying programme" come into effect.
15,000 Bags Stranded in Terminal 5
Such a situation came about after the baggage system issues that affected Heathrow Terminal 5 on its opening day. As these words were written, around 15,000 bags remained stranded, and large numbers of travellers were having to depart without their baggage.
Between the 27th and the 29th March (inclusive), 208 arriving and departing flights were cancelled in all.
BA Long-Haul Flights Plan
The situation has prompted BA to contemplate delaying its planned relocation of long-haul flights from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5, although, according to a spokesman for the airline, no decision had been made yet.
"We haven't said we will alter the original plan," he said.
"But obviously, in the light of what has happened in the last few days, it is prudent to review the situation."
On Thursday night, British Airways gave financial aid to those passengers affected by the delays, unable to leave the airport that day, and in need of a room for the night. However, it has since been criticised for capping the handouts at 100 pounds.
Since then, the airline has said that it will give consideration to any claims for accommodation costs that are "reasonable".
A spokesman for the CAA confirmed that the authority intended to contact BA "as a matter of urgency...to ensure they are fulfilling the requirements of the legislation, that all passengers should be treated the same".
Under rules laid down three years ago, an airline must provide passengers affected by a flight delay with food and drink, and with somewhere to sleep if appropriate.
BA has publically apologised to the passengers affected by Heathrow Airport Terminal Five's delays.
Source - Airport International's London Reporter
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