Heathrow Airport 'will see changes in 2008'

Heathrow Airport is set to be undergo significant changes in 2008, it has been revealed.

Duncan Garrood, commercial director of airports operator BAA, told the Independent that 2007 had posed challenges for the company but that the opening of terminal five in late March will have a big effect on how the airport functions.

"At the moment the airport is handling around 20 million more passengers each year than it was originally designed for.

"Terminal Five will look after 30 million passengers out of the airport's 67 million, so travellers will notice the change," he said, adding that the operator hopes "to get 95 per cent of passengers through security within a maximum of five minutes".

Most passengers flying with British Airways will use terminal five but some flights will continue to depart and arrive at terminal 3, which is being revamped.

Mr Garrood that there are also plans to refurbish other terminals, ready to welcome the thousands of people who pass through the airport each day.