2008: Bumpy ride for new terminal at London's Heathrow airport
Bumpy ride for new terminal at London's Heathrow airport
Canceled flights, baggage problems frustrate fliers on opening day By Avril Ormsby Reuters March 27 LONDON -- Dozens of flights at Heathrow Airport's new Terminal 5 were canceled on its opening day today after problems developed with security and luggage. At least 33 short-haul flights were canceled, said British Airways, which is using Terminal 5 as its new base at the airport, Europe's biggest hub. Passengers whose flights did go ahead were left stranded for hours as crews struggled with the baggage-handling system. Reuters journalist Mark Jones was left sitting on a plane for two hours. "At one point the luggage was returned to the terminal because the system said our flight had already departed," he said. British Airways said other problems at the $8.63-billion terminal included car parking and staff security screening. "This is not unexpected following one of the most complex and largest airport moves in history," it said in a statement. "These teething problems have included car parking provision, delays in staff security screening and staff familiarization with the terminal. We have also had some baggage performance issues. "These issues are being resolved and we are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused." Airport operator BAA was not immediately available for comment. Tight security had been put in place in expectation of demonstrations by environmental activists against a planned expansion of the airport. About 200 demonstrators appeared in the main entrance wearing "Stop Airport Expansion" T-shirts. Authorities had been on alert after a series of security breaches at Heathrow. On the eve of Queen Elizabeth formally opening the terminal this month, a man ran onto a runway. In February, protesters broke into the airport and wrapped a banner around a plane. http://www.calendarlive.com/tv/cl-tr...,3975682.story |
2008: Bumpy ride for new terminal at London's Heathrow airport
Ablang wrote:
Bumpy ride for new terminal at London's Heathrow airport Canceled flights, baggage problems frustrate fliers on opening day By Avril Ormsby Reuters March 27 Reporting news from last week? Do you misunderstand why they call it NEWs? |
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