BMI Slams Terminal 5 Delay Decision

British Airways decision to delay moving it long haul services to Terminal 5 has prompted outrage from BMI chief executive Nigel Turner. BA was initially planning to move its second wave of traffic to T5 on 30th April. However, the chaos which ensued after the terminal opening has prompted the decision to delay until June at least.

The decision will affect another 54 airlines that were due to move terminals at Heathrow, including BMI which operates Heathrow’s second-biggest volume of flights.BMI chief executive Nigel Turner was critical of BA’s “mismanagement” of T5 which he claims is now harming other airlines.

“It is an absolutely outrageous announcement by BAA and done with no thought, consideration or consultation of any other airline other than BA.

“The sequence of moves affects more than 50 airlines, including BMI, at Heathrow. The programme and timescale of changes was agreed in joint consultation with all airlines that are now geared up to undertake the moves as agreed.

“BAA and BA have shown a total disregard for all other airlines and their passengers at Heathrow in coming to this decision because of their own shortcomings and their inability to implement an agreed plan.”

Mr. Turner added that the scenario was another example of BAA treating airlines and passengers with contempt and without consideration. Both British Airways and Heathrow owner BAA have defended the decision claiming that the delay is in best interest of customers.