Shiny, spacious and still having the construction dust brushed away before opening next month, Heathrow's Terminal Five is the latest bid to help unclog the world's busiest international airport.
After the longest public inquiry in British planning history, lasting nearly four years, the 4.3 billion pound passenger terminal may go some way to easing the frustrations of the 67.3 million passengers who squeeze through the airport which began as a tented village in 1946.
But even as the shops from Gucci to Prada to Harrods are being fitted out in the terminal, due to open on March 27, protests are mounting at plans for another phase of expansion aimed at enabling Heathrow to keep pace with a forecast doubling of flights in Europe over the next 20 years.
A public consultation on the next steps finishes on Wednesday, with campaigners furious over noise pollution, carbon emissions and local disruption. They also question the validity of studies showing expansion to be vital to the British economy.
Experts say around one-third of Heathrow flights are currently delayed - one of the highest rates in the world. Business leaders have long complained of frustration and wasted time, and some argue the logjam is jeopardising London's financial centre.
"Bankers already hate flying from Heathrow," said Tom Otley, editor-in-chief of magazine Business Traveller UK. British newspapers repeatedly criticise the airport and even airport operator BAA is damning about its current facilities.
"Heathrow is old and tired," said spokesman Simon Baugh. "Terminal Five should allow us to start changing that. The effect should be immediate."
Three of Heathrow's four existing terminals were built before 1968. Anyone who has travelled through the airport has joined crowds from around the globe which throng around ageing baggage carousels in low-ceilinged halls.
Unexpected events such as a 2006 security scare have left passengers waiting for hours or days.
With a capacity of 35 million passengers a year, Terminal Five can handle half the airport's current throughput of passengers, taking pressure off existing terminals and opening scope for their redevelopment.
Ceilings are higher in the new terminal, and vast glass walls offer views across the airport. BAA says the new gates, taxiways and parking spaces also offer more flexibility than anything at present, which should reduce delays.
After six years of building and testing, the new terminal - which will take only British Airways flights - will include a range of restaurants. The champagne bottles are already lined up in the business class lounge.
MORE NEEDED?
