1,000 bags a day 'are lost at Heathrow's Terminal 5'

This challenges British Airways' assurances that the system is now running smoothly.

The figure was revealed yesterday at a House of Commons Select Committee meeting to discuss the disaster when the terminal first opened in March. 

Bumpy take-off: Passengers queue in Terminal 5's departures hall on the opening day in March

Giving evidence, senior union leaders representing baggage workers said that an average of 932 bags are still going missing at the terminal every day.

Steve Turner, Civil Air Transport National Secretary at Unite union, said: 'The system is still resulting in significant numbers of bags not being reunited with passengers. It will happen today and it will happen tomorrow.'

'On average, 932 bags a day belonging to transfer passengers are going astray at T5.'

It also emerged that BA and airport operators had been warned by baggage staff about potential glitches in the system but did nothing to avert the crisis.

Mr Turner added: 'A number of concerns were raised in the time before the facility was opened on March 27.

'British Airways and BAA were working together over the opening but there was a complete failure to consult the trade unions.'

More than 250 flights were cancelled on the first day of the airline's move to the £4.3billion terminal in March. Then an estimated 28,000 items of luggage went missing over the course of the next few weeks.

The disruption was caused by glitches in the new baggage handling system. Also, many staff had not been properly trained in how to work the machines.

The problems dealt a huge blow to BA's reputation and many passengers are still fighting for compensation.

But earlier this week, the airline issued a statement saying Terminal 5 was enjoying 'improved punctuality and baggage performance'.

Willie Walsh, BA's chief executive, said: 'Every day I get emails, letters or comments from customers telling me how much they enjoy using the terminal.'