A host of
backpacking tourists on long-haul flights departing and arriving at Heathrow will have to wait until June before they catch a glimpse of the new Terminal 5.
The new terminal, heralded as a breakthrough in airport design and function prior to its opening last month, has been marred with controversy, delays and more than 600 flight cancellations within the first 12 days.
As a result, the transfer of British Airways' long-haul services to the £4.3 billion concourse from Terminal 4 at the end of April has been put forward to June.
Many tourists will no doubt rue the missed opportunity to see the new Terminal 5 up close, although BA chief executive Willie Walsh claims that the delay is "in the interests of customers".
"It is only sensible to ensure that Terminal 5 is operating consistently at a high standard before the move begins," he added.
But tourists can take solace in the fact that they will at least arrive with their luggage, following an announcement by aviation minister Jim Fitzpatrick that 28,000 bags had been misplaced over its inaugural weekend of service.
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