Crossrail says it will operate empty trains for several weeks to ensure a “flawless" service when it opens

 A spokesperson for Transport for London said they didn’t want the launch to be reminiscent of the botched opening of Heathrow's Terminal 5.

Hundreds of flights were cancelled when the west London airport opened the terminal in March 2008.

Crossrail, or the Elizabeth line, will give major international getaways like Heathrow greater accessibility.

The line, already three years behind schedule, will open to the public by the end of June.