a chaotic Christmas period which saw the full area jammed with returning residents and their shopping.

Lines stretched as far back as the end of the luggage claim section. The Department of Civil Aviation moved to ensure such congestion does not occur again by introducing a looped-line system.

Passengers will line-up in a similar fashion as they do at the local banks, waiting for the first available Immigration Officer, Airport manager Mr. Larry Lachapelle said.

The new system was introduced last Friday. Mr. Lachapelle said it achieved a number of benefits while providing improved customer service. "Already we have seen improvements,'' he said.

"This is something Immigration, Tourism, the airlines and ourselves, Civil Aviation, have wanted to see in place and have worked together to achieve.

Initial reactions are very positive.'' The new system keeps the line moving and allows Immigration officers to go down the line assisting passengers with their documents so they are all in order by the time they reach the counters.

"The new system also offers better utilisation of space and reduces congestion in the arrivals hall,'' Mr. Lachapelle said.

"People in wheelchairs are now directed to a separate area on the eastern side of the hall to be processed.