The opening of Heathrow's long-awaited terminal 5 puts environmental concerns over the expansion of aviation firmly into the spotlight. Air travel is seen as the fastest growing source of greenhouse gases in Britain.
British Airways is to postpone moving most of its long-haul flights to Heathrow's T5 because of continuing problems at the £4.3 billion terminal, union sources said.
The airline was due to transfer nearly all its long-haul operation from Heathrow's Terminal 4 on April 30.
But the opening of the new terminal has been beset by delays and disruption, with flights cancelled and passengers left stranded.
Heathrow Terminal 5 on MSN UK News
By airport operator BAA's own admission, Heathrow has been struggling to cope with soaring passenger numbers "for years". At present an airport designed to handle 45 million passengers a year is having to contend with more than 68 million.
MSN UK News brings you stats, facts and figures about the brand spanking new terminal at Heathrow Airport.
Air your views on the new Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport. Is it an essential addition or an unnecessary extra? Have your say on the MSN UK News message boards.
Heathrow's latest terminal is home to 800 toilets, 87 shops, 9,140 seats and 3,800 parking spaces. Discover more numerical trivia about Terminal 5…
"Heathrow is the UK’s only hub airport and one of our country’s most important economic assets. Like it or not, the UK is part of a global economy and efficient international aviation links are vital to high-value world markets." Read more...
"Aviation is the fastest-growing source of climate change emissions. Although the industry now pays lip-service to ideas of sustainability, it is unable, or unwilling, to grasp the simple truth that the planned expansion of the UK’s airports is not compatible with what needs to be done to tackle climate change." Read more...
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Heathrow Inline Video
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Terminal 5
- Do you think Heathrow needed a fifth terminal?
- Yes, it was getting way too busy.
71% - I'm not sure.
9% - No, it was already big enough.
20%
- Yes, it was getting way too busy.
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