T5 was 'national embarrassment'

The report blamed BA and BAA for the chaos at Terminal 5

The chaotic opening of Heathrow Airport's Terminal 5 showed "serious failings" by British Airways and airport operator BAA, MPs have said.

The event in March was a source of "national embarrassment", the House of Commons Transport Committee said.

It said the problems, which included cancelled flights and thousands of bags going missing, "could and should" have been avoided with better planning.

The companies have apologised and said the situation had improved since then.

'Long queues'

Committee chairwoman Louise Ellman MP, said: "What should have been an occasion of national pride was in fact an occasion of national embarrassment."

READ THE REPORT The opening of Heathrow Terminal 5 [1.4MB] Most computers will open this document automatically, but you may need Adobe Reader Download the reader here

When the