The launch of the new Heathrow Terminal 5 has been beset by a succession of problems that saw over 60 flights cancelled in the first two days and passengers forced to sleep overnight at the airport.

Many of the problems stemmed from the inability of the baggage systems to cope with the demands placed on it, while there were also reports of airport staff being unable to get through security and various technical faults.

BA offered passengers compensation of £100 each to find accommodation for the night but local hotels were charging twice that amount.

"I am very sorry that the problems have meant that some of our customers did not experience the true potential of this amazing new building," said BA's chief executive Willie Walsh.

BAA, which runs the new terminal with BA as the sole airline, has yet to comment on the chaos.