Heathrow East already more than six months late

BAA’s new terminal at Heathrow is already between six and fifteen months behind schedule, it has emerged.

Media reports at the weekend claimed that Heathrow East, which was intended to be the airport’s "Olympic terminal", will not be ready in time for the 2012 Games.

The £1.5bn terminal has been designed by Foster + Partners and will be built by Laing O’Rourke and BAA owner Ferrovial.

A source told one newspaper: “They have underestimated the extent of the work that is involved.”

BAA would not say whether or not Heathrow East would be completed on time, but a spokesperson said it was the operator’s “ambition” that the terminal would play a part in the opening of the Games.