Airport's air-conditioning system is shut down for the start of a $2.6 million refit.

Airport bosses said the state-of-the art equipment would soon pay for itself through its energy efficiency.

The noon turn off will affect US departures check-in, US inspection services, the airline offices and the administration offices. It is expected to last for about 16 hours.

Airport general manager Marshall Minors said the current system, which had outlived its usefulness, will be repositioned to allow the new one to be installed.

The current system will be switched on again until the new system is ready in September.

However further, shorter shutdowns will be necessary during the changeover but will occur at night.

Mr. Minors said the refit was very good news for the airport.

"It's going to put the airport in a great position for its air-conditioning requirements for the next decade and a half.'' He added: "A unique funding approach was used for this project. Our old, inefficient and worn out plant was a major consumer of power.''