The LF Wade International Airport has earned a top health certification for its Covid-19 passenger prevention measures.

Strict protocols including disinfecting bags, installation of Plexiglas barriers, limiting access to the existing terminal face masks, expanded cleaning regimes and more were put into place in advance of the airport reopening on July 1.

As a result, the airport has earned an accreditation in the Airports Council International Airport Health Accreditation programme valid for 12 months.

Bermuda Skyport signed up for the programme and according to ACI, the airport has shown that it is providing a safe airport experience for all travellers which is in line with the recommended health measures established in the ACI Aviation Business Restart and Recovery guidelines and ICAO Council Aviation Recovery Task Force Recommendations, along with industry best practices.

This programme is designed to help reassure the travelling public that airport facilities remain safe and that precautions are being taken to reduce any risk to their health.

Aaron Adderley, president of Skyport, said: “We are pleased to have earned this accreditation as passenger safety and following our Covid-19 passenger prevention measures has been our foremost priority since the airport reopened July 1.

“The government health officials and other agencies have been tremendous in ensuring that as a country, Bermuda has done what it needed to do to manage the pandemic, both here at the airport and beyond.

“We’re grateful to them and I think ACI were impressed by that overall. From an aviation perspective, the first step in providing assurance to perspective travellers that it is safe to travel again, is to ensure that our airports and airlines have the necessary protective measures in place. We hope to be able to further expand on our efforts when we move into the new terminal and of course to maintain our accreditation moving forward.”

Rafael Echevanre, director general of ACI-LAC, said: “The recovery of the industry from the impacts of Covid-19 will require a coordinated, global effort, and LF Wade International Airport accreditation shows that it is committed to high standards of health and hygiene that accord with globally-recognised standards and protocols.”

Airports Council International (ACI) is the only global trade representative of the world’s airports and represents more than 1,200 airports worldwide.