Terminal 5 opens for passengers

[27th March 2008]

The first passengers arrived at Heathrow Terminal 5 this morning from Hong Kong on flight BA26.

By October 2008, most British Airways' Heathrow flights will fly from the new Terminal 5 with some flights operating from a newly refurbished area at Terminal 3.

Terminal 5 is situated at the southern end of Heathrow Airport's runway. There are dedicated transport links into the new terminal - The Heathrow Express train between central London and Terminal 5 running every 15 minutes and taking around just 20 minutes and RailAir coaches running between Terminal 5 and Reading, Woking and Feltham train stations. For road travellers, there is a new spur road at junction 14 on the M25.

Robert Boyle, British Airways' commercial director, said: "The opening of Terminal 5 heralds a new era in air travel. Customers can look forward to a calmer, smoother, simpler airport experience at Heathrow. We're very excited about the move and hope customers are too. In order for them to arrive ready to fly and knowing what to expect, we've been sending regular communications to them and built a comprehensive microsite to allow them to familiarise themselves with the building and its fantastic facilities."

By the end of April over 90 percent of BA flights are expected to depart and arrive from Terminal. BA advise their customers to check the 'flight checker' on ba.com before their flight to confirm the departure terminal.

The Terminal Five move is planned in four phases between now and early 2009.
The first phase starts today with 70 per cent of British Airways flights operating from T5. Phase 2 will be implemented on 30 April when longhaul flights from Terminal 4, will move to Terminal 5.

The remaining short haul flights will move from Terminal 1 at the end of June 2008.

Written by: Helen Gillilan

Save up to 60% and book your Heathrow Terminal Five Airport parking at an unbeatable price with Holiday Extras