Heathrow Terminal Five's long-awaited grand opening which took place this week was greeted with what I think was an unfair news media savaging.

Having seen pictures and footage of the innovative interior and exterior, I was astonished at how much work had been put into building the multi-billion pound new terminal and the unbelievable architectural result.

In one of the world’s greatest airports, London Heathrow, T5 has plenty to offer. There is so much to discover in terms of funky new restaurants, Bar 5, sparkling departure lounges, the ultimate shopping experience with World Duty Free and the spectacular visual aspects of the terminal, if nothing else.

With this is mind, I am appalled by the mauling that T5 has got from the British news media. When I casually flicked onto the Tv news the other day, it was described as a ‘national disgrace’. Things just didn’t add up. I thought that the new terminal looked fantastic, yet it was referred to in such insulting terms.

This was due to the fact that, sadly, the news media had only focused on the negative aspects of the opening of the terminal. The delayed take-offs, the long queues for security checks and the luggage failures. Fair enough, this is not what many were expecting on their first day flying from the new terminal; but I feel that so many of us have ignored many of the other positives of this exciting new place.

One of the best aspects of the new terminal, is the sprawling World Duty Free shops. Although I have not yet visited, I have seen many impressive brochures and pictures of the latest World Duty Free products brought home by Dad, who runs it. The fine foods and confectionaries would dazzle most adults, let alone children. Available are the futuristic, stylish Toy watches and of course my favourite section with all the cosmetic brands. And I’m sure as usual, customer service is to the max.

So, before we jump to any hasty conclusions about T5, we should not forget the triumphs that have been achieved by it. I think it is the British news media which deserves the title: ‘national disgrace’ not the slick new terminal, made possible by the the thousands of people who built it and now work there.

Hiccups were bound to happen on the first day. But I’m sure that T5 will confound its critics and soon prove to be one of the best of its kind in the world.

* More than 100 flights were cancelled by British Airways (BA), the sole carrier using T5, on Thursday and Friday with another 54 flights on Saturday grounded. BA's chief executive Willie Walsh accepted the debacle had affected the reputation of BA and of Britain. Airport operator British Airports Authority (BAA) said it was working with BA to resolve the severe baggage problems.

A BAA spokesman said: "BAA's first duty is to passengers and airlines. Today at T5, we are focusing all our efforts on our work with British Airways to resolve baggage issues and to deliver a good service to passengers. Elsewhere at Heathrow, our terminals are working normally."

Walsh said the situation was improving on Friday, but admitted the opening was not a success. "We clearly disappointed a number of people and we sincerely apologise." He said a "combination of factors" that they had been unable to "get on top of" had led to the disruption.

"British Airways has not delivered and we need to deliver," he said. "I am accepting responsibility, the buck stops with me."

He said: "Today has started much better," but added: "At this stage I still expect some cancellations tomorrow".

The airline advised customers to check its website, www.ba.com, for service updates. Passengers could now check-in both hand and hold luggage.