Extra flights are operating from LF Wade International Airport tomorrow to get visitors out of Bermuda before Hurricane Gonzalo hits.

But the airport will close at 9pm tomorrow and remain closed on Friday.

The Emergency Measures Organisation (EMO) said it was likely to stay shut throughout most, if not all, of Saturday so airport officials can carry out damage assessments.

After then a decision will be made on when to resume flights.

A Government spokeswoman on behalf of the EMO confirmed demand had led to more flights off the Island tonight and tomorrow.

“Two charter flights will depart Bermuda this evening for the US, while on Thursday, Air Canada will be adding a second flight using a 211-seat aircraft for its Toronto service.

“United Airlines will be scheduling a second flight using a 154-seat aircraft for its Newark service, WestJet will be scheduling a larger 174-seat aircraft for its Toronto service, and JetBlue has scheduled a second flight for its JFK service.

“American Airlines will operate a larger 180-seat aircraft on its arriving flights out of JFK and Miami tonight and on the return flights Thursday morning.

“American Airlines will also operate an extra flight to and from Miami Thursday while US Airways will schedule a larger aircraft for its Philadelphia service.

“Other airlines are also considering either putting on larger aircraft or scheduling additional flights for Thursday in advance of the storm and that information will be disseminated as soon as it is received.

“Passengers are urged to contact their respective airlines for updated information.”

The Bermuda Weather Service’s 6pm forecast had Gonzalo passing 39 miles to the west-northwest of the Island at 2pm on Friday as a Category 3 storm, meaning maximum sustained winds of 125mph.

Airport manager Aaron Adderley told The Royal Gazette this afternoon that “the airport has already commenced its hurricane preparedness plan efforts”.

“Efforts commenced on Monday and will continue throughout the week,” he said.

Last weekend’s Tropical Storm Fay sparked major flooding at LF Wade International and made a significant dent in the airline schedule.

Seven flights from the US and Canada were cancelled, while damage to the airport’s roof allowed thousands of gallons of water to gush into the passenger arrival area.

Mr Adderley said: “Our preparedness plan for Gonzalo is running in parallel with our clear-up efforts after Tropical Storm Fay. We are operating on a two-pronged approach.”

Bermuda is served by eight airlines and they have advised passengers to check their websites for flight changes relating to Hurricane Gonzalo.

As of 3.30pm this afternoon:

• Air Canada had added an additional flight to Toronto from Bermuda at 3pm tomorrow;

• United Airlines had added an additional 2.48pm flight to Newark;

• American Airlines still had seats on its Miami flight but its JFK route looked to be fully booked;

• seats were still being sold on the British Airways flight to London Gatwick;

• Delta Air Lines still had seats on its Boston and Atlanta routes but its JFK flight was sold out;

• JetBlue’s JFK flight was sold out but there were still tickets to Boston;

• US Airways still had seats on its Philadelphia flight; and

• WestJet had sold out on its Toronto route.

JetBlue said this afternoon it had cancelled its scheduled flights to and from Bermuda on Friday but extra flights from Bermuda were being put on tomorrow.

Spokeswoman Elizabeth Ninomiya said the decision to axe Friday’s flights was taken “given the storm’s projected path and its effect on airport operations”. She added: “We encourage customers to check their flight status before departing to the airport.

“Customers booked for October 17 and 18 can also visit the website or call JetBlue to inquire about departures ahead of those dates.”

The airline has updated its website with a travel advisory, including information about fee waivers for reservation changes and cancellations. Customers can also call 1-800-JetBlue.

To book flights for tomorrow, visit JetBlue.com or call 1-800-Jetblue.

British Airways’ flight to Bermuda on Friday is cancelled due to the airport’s closure. More information will be available as soon as possible on ba.com

The Bermuda Tourism Authority said it was closely monitoring the progress of Hurricane Gonzalo and liaising with the Bermuda Hotel Association, LF Wade International Airport and other authorities.

A statement said: “Although hotels in Bermuda are fully prepared to accommodate guests under these circumstances, the BTA recommends all visitors proactively contact their airlines to determine what options are available because we expect the LF Wade International Airport to close as the storm approaches.

“The BTA is working with industry partners to request change fees are waived and asking them to ensure all possible courtesies to those affected are afforded.

“Additionally, the BTA recommends visitors with plans to come to Bermuda in the next five days consider postponing their travel until a later date. The Bermuda Hotel Association hurricane cancellation policy is now in effect.

“LF Wade International Airport, the only airport in Bermuda, is continuing to operate with regular service and is working with airlines to accommodate extra flights in advance of the storm where possible.

“The cruise ship ports in Bermuda are expected to close as the storm approaches. Cruise visitors should contact their cruise lines for specific information.

“The BTA advises visitors and potential visitors to follow the progress of Hurricane Gonzalo closely on the Bermuda Weather Service or the US National Weather Service website.

“The BTA will continue to monitor the hurricane and will provide updates as the situation warrants. We also urge you to follow Bermuda’s Department of Communication & Information on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on advisories and closures.”

This story will be updated throughout today with any fresh information on flights.