The new Terminal 5 at the London Heathrow International Airport continues to operate chaotically and dozens of flights have been canceled. Approximately one fifth of all flights were canceled as technical and logistical problems continued through the second day after its opening.

British Airways, which already had the worst record for baggage handling, hoped that the opening of the new terminal would ease congestion at its main hub. However, it was precisely the luggage handling that caused problems at the new Terminal 5, as handlers were unable to log on and security delays threw the air transportation hub into total chaos.

"We sincerely apologize to those customers who have suffered disrupted journeys or baggage delays. We always knew the first day would represent a unique challenge," said BA director of operations Gareth Kirkwood.

The open-plan terminal is Britain's largest enclosed space, little consolation to the many passengers who were forced to spend the night in it. More than thirty flights were canceled on Thursday and even more than that on Friday. The terminal, which cost the equivalent of $8.6 billion, boasts 60 aircraft stands and some 11 miles of baggage conveyors in a system designed to handle as many as 12,000 bags an hour.

"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," British Airways Chief Executive Willie Walsh said in a statement.

However, the baggage handlers questioned by BCC News tell another story: "During the inadequate training days prior to the opening, any staff questions were bounced back with 'I don't know' and 'It will be clear on the day'."

The owner of Terminal 5, BAA, which also runs Gatwick and Stansted in Britain, began the planning of the project 15 years ago. They have met numerous protests from the environmentalists and local residents. Terminal 5, which is five times the size of Terminal 4, will be able to receive 30 million passengers a year and it means that Heathrow’s annual number of passengers will rise from 68 million to 95 million. There are 150 check-in desks, 105 lifts, and 800 toilets inside.

The terminal includes an enormous shopping mall, cafes and restaurants. Passengers can kill their time shopping at famous brands outlets such as Harrods, Prada, Bulgari, Wagamama, Gordon Ramsay, Paul Smith and Carluccio’s.