An emergency meeting has been called today for all airlines which fly into Bermuda ahead of Hurricane Fabian's unwelcome arrival on the Island.

Bermuda International Airport General Manager James Howes revealed the "special meeting" was taking place this morning with all the international carriers although no weekend flights have yet been cancelled.

But he admitted the airport would close if the predicted high winds were to strike.

"We are watching the situation very closely," Mr. Howes told The Royal Gazette.

"We are also holding a special meeting with all the airlines to discuss the hurricane. Even if the hurricane doesn't hit directly but we were to get gale force winds, no planes would be taking off or landing so we would have to close the airport.

"We urge all those who are due to travel this weekend to contact their airlines as soon as possible."

He also admitted there were fears that the runway itself could be submerged if Fabian does hit the Island with serious force.

"Because the airport is relatively low-lying, there is always a danger that storm surge waters could come up and submerge the runway which would obviously cause substantial damage.

"If the storm of the century hits than this is a possibility but the most likely scenario is that we will simply have to close because of the high cross winds."

Philip Troake, British Airways' Bermuda manager,confirmed that tonight's flight was due to depart as normal subject to any major change in the weather and Saturdays' flight would be reviewed nearer the time.

He told The Royal Gazette: "As we don't fly on Friday we do not envisage any interruption to our normal service although we are monitoring the situation carefully.

"As I don't have a crystal ball, we won't be able to say what is happening with Saturday's flight, it is a situation we will review on Saturday morning."

It is understood that passengers due to travel on Friday have been moving their flights forward to avoid the worst of the weather.