Further problems with the baggage software at Heathrow's Terminal Five meant that manual checks had to be carried out and more flights left without bags over the weekend.

The system is run by airport operator BAA, which had engineers and contractors working round the clock to resolve the problem.

"While we know what the problem is, and have a potential solution, we are having to carefully consider how and when we apply this, to avoid further problems," said a BAA spokesman.

The manual sorting of the baggage system remained in place until the problem was fixed on Sunday morning, according to the company.

During the first eight days of T5's operation, it is estimated that more than 28,000 bags have been separated from their owners and more than 400 flights have been cancelled.