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.

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