BA delays transfer of long-haul flights at Heathrow

British Airways (BA) has announced that it will delay until June the planned transfer of its long-haul flights from Terminal 4 to Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport.

Terminal 5 has been operating a full schedule of flights for the past three days but BA claimed that it wants to ensure a high standard of service before any new developments are introduced.

There are still problems affecting operations at Terminal 5 that BA said it wants to "iron out", including issues with the baggage system.

Willie Walsh, chief executive of the airline, said: "Though Terminal 5 is now working well, we need to have confidence that good service can be maintained when the terminal is handling larger numbers of customers.

"It is only sensible to ensure that Terminal 5 is operating consistently at a high standard before the move begins."

Colin Matthews, chief executive of airport operator BAA, acknowledged that the delay will have an effect on other airlines but said that, while regrettable, the postponement is a "wise precaution".