Terminal Change Confirmed

British Airways has confirmed all long-haul flights will be moved to Heathrow’s Terminal 5 in phases beginning June 5, 2008. The first phase will begin with eight long-haul destinations switched from Terminal 4 – which is about a quarter of Terminal 4′s schedule. The flights that will be transferred include services to and from New York JFK. Flights to Abuja, Bangalore, Beijing, Cairo, Cape Town, Lagos and Phoenix are also scheduled to be transferred to T5.

The move was delayed from April 30 due to severe problems at the new terminal. The £4.3bn terminal has been plagued with various problems drawing criticism. However, BA boss Willie Walsh insisted T5 is now working well and does not anticipate any further major problems. Walsh said “As we announced on 11 April, we will move our Terminal 4 long-haul programme into Terminal 5 in phases. We have taken this decision in the interests of customers, who remain our priority at all times.”

The decision to transfer the long-haul flights was made jointly by BA and Heathrow airport operator BAA. “We continue to work together intensively to complete the migration of the remaining long-haul services as soon as is practicable.” said Colin Matthews, BAA chief executive.

Both firms have been under heavy criticism for the disastrous opening of Terminal 5, which endured a large number of cancelled flights and lost luggage. Both BA and Heathrow operators insist the problems have been worked out and believe everything will run smoothly when BA makes their transfers next month. Critics and passengers will be watching closely.

www.britishairways.com