BAA boss: We deeply regret T5 errors

In his first major speech since taking over as chief executive in March, Colin Matthews said "we deeply regret" the botched opening of the £4.3 billion terminal in March when more than 20,000 bags were lost. That followed a disastrous summer when security measures led to lengthy queues at the airport.

But speaking yesterday, Mr Matthews rejected calls for the break-up of the company.

It is the first time a senior BAA figure has shouldered so much of the blame for the T5 disaster.