Customs officers walked off the job at the airport tonight.

It is understood the industrial action came over fears about Covid-19. The island’s first two confirmed cases arrived at LF Wade International on flights from the US and Britain.

Wayne Caines, the national security minister, said tonight an inbound flight was on the tarmac when the Customs officers stopped work over “concerns around where the people come in at the Customs area”.

Senior Customs staff as well as immigration staff were brought in to plug the hole and and passengers on the plane were able to leave the aircraft.

Mr Caines said “we will do the same tomorrow” with other staff drafted to help.