BAA and British Airways (BA) have announced that a planned move of more BA flights from Heathrow's Terminal (T4) to Terminal 5 (T5) until June.

BA had hoped to transfer operations by the end of April, but wants to make sure it irons out computer glitches with the baggage handling system before any further moves are made.

Willie Walsh, BA’s Chief Executive said the company wanted to make sure everything was working properly before more strain is put on the system.

"We are making this decision in the interests of customers," he said. " Though Terminal Five is now working well, we need to have confidence that good service can be maintained when the terminal is handling larger numbers of customers."

The T4 move involved switching 120 flights to the new building.

The delay will have knock on effects on T4 refurbishment plans as well as plans for other airlines expecting to move into the space vacated by BA.

BAA’s chief executive Colin Matthews said the operator would do all that it could to help affected airlines.

“BAA regrets this postponement, and we recognize the impact it has on other airlines, but we believe it is a wise precaution to ensure that passengers can have the maximum confidence once the move does take place," he said.

“We will be working very closely with BA in the intervening period to ensure that result, as well as working with the other airlines to mitigate as much as possible the knock-on effects.”

Tuesday saw a normal flight schedule operating at T5 for the first time.