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

Seven flights from the US and Canada were cancelled due to the passing weather system.

While damage to the airport’s roof allowed thousands of gallons of water to gush into the passenger arrival area.

“There was extensive damage to the roof over the Arrivals Area of the LF Wade International Airport Terminal Building caused by Tropical Storm Fay,” a spokesman for the Department of Airport Operations said:

“The damaged roof exposed part of the main sprinkler system causing major damage to one of the sprinkler heads that ultimately led to thousands of gallons of water gushing out into upper administrative offices and into the passenger arrival area on the ground floor.

“The Immigration and Customs Halls experienced extensive flooding that quickly knocked out critical passenger processing computer systems. Once the sprinkler systems were isolated and shut down, Airport cleaning crews were on hand to commence the major clean-up effort.

“Meanwhile, the storm has caused some damage to the Airport radar.

“However, the airfield itself was relatively unscathed and once winds diminished to an acceptable level and a full assessment of airfield assets was completed, the LF Wade International Airport resumed operations at 12 noon for non-commercial flights only.”

Airport General Manager praised cleaning crews for helping to ensure the airport was open to commercial airlines again at 5.30pm yesterday.

“Our cleaning contractors, Bright Brigade, did an exceptional job in completing the massive clean up effort,” he said. “Our ability to reopen the terminal hinged largely on their efforts alone.”

Although Delta, US Airlines, WestJet, Air Canada and Jet Blue were all forced to cancel their earlier services from the eastern seaboard, American Airlines and Delta’s evening flights from JFK and Miami made it to Bermuda.

The British Airways flight arrived five hours late, for reasons unconnected with Tropical Storm Fay, and was due to head back to the UK last night.

Meanwhile two cruise liners, the Grandeur of the Seas and the Norwegian Dawn, had to delay their arrivals into Dockyard to avoid the fall out from the storm.

And once the ships came alongside in the West End passengers were urged to stay on board the liners.