BAA statement 10.45am, Sunday 6th April 2008

In the early hours of this morning, the software problem in Heathrow Terminal 5 was resolved and the baggage system is functioning well.  We continue to work with British Airways to ensure that the baggage system supports today's schedule.

The principal challenge for Heathrow this morning is the snow and ice around the airport.  We have well-rehearsed procedures in place to deal with this weather and all areas of the airport have been extensively de-iced and treated.  This important work will go on as the day progresses, to maintain a safe airport for passengers and staff.

Our advice to passengers using any BAA airport is to check the status of flights with your airline or tour operator, before travelling to the airport.

BAA issued three statements on yesterday's operation at Heathrow's Terminal 5.

Statement issued at 12.15pm, Saturday 5th April 2008

A spokesman for BAA said: "This morning, a software problem has arisen in the baggage system at T5.  This is entirely BAA's responsibility.  We apologise to British Airways and all passengers who have been affected and can assure them that our specialist staff are working hard to resolve the problem and keep disruption to BA's operation to a minimum. While we know what the problem is, and have a potential solution, we are having to carefully consider how and when we apply this, to avoid further problems.  We will provide further updates when appropriate."

Further statement issued at 2.15pm, Saturday 5th April 2008

BAA staff continue to work hard to resolve the difficulties with the baggage system.  For the rest of the day, it has been agreed that BA will introduce a manual element to the baggage process, to protect the flight schedule as much as possible and to keep disruption to the airline and passengers to a minimum.  BAA engineers will work through the night to rectify the identified problem and to provide BA with a fully-operational baggage system. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused to British Airways and our passengers.

Further statement issued at 8.20pm, Saturday 5th April 2008

BAA staff and engineers from our contractors continue to work hard to resolve the difficulties with the T5 baggage system.  To allow British Airways to operate a good flight schedule tomorrow, the manual elements of the baggage system will remain in place for the remainder of the weekend.

Our staff will work through the night and during tomorrow to resolve the problems and we are sorry for the inconvenience this may cause to British Airways and passengers.  The agreed course of action will minimise disruption.  We will provide further updates tomorrow.

Further information from: Heathrow Airport press office: 0208 745 7224

For further information on flights from T5, please see ba.com or heathrowairport.com