Passengers were forced off a British Airways flight at the island’s airport after a bomb threat, it was confirmed this morning.

The Bermuda Police Service said that the facility was later “declared safe”.

A spokeswoman for Skyport said in an incident report issued at 3.40am: “At approximately 9pm, LF Wade International Airport received a bomb threat sent to the airport offices via e-mail threatening the terminal and British Airways flight 158, which was due to depart for London Heathrow.

“This prompted an immediate evacuation of the terminal building while the British Airways Boeing 777 aircraft was repositioned to a remote airfield location where passengers safely deplaned. Flight 158 was subsequently cancelled.

“Following a sweep of the terminal building by the Bermuda Police Service and Skyport officials, passengers from the British Airways flight were bused back to the terminal building, where airline personnel assisted them with transportation and accommodations.

“The airline will confirm plans to reschedule the flight.”

She added: “American Airlines flight 409, which had been en route from Miami when the threat was received, diverted to Norfolk, Virginia.

“The rescheduled flight is due to arrive today.

“Passengers scheduled to depart LFWIA on AA Flight 414 to Miami on Monday are asked to contact the airlines for updates.

“Meanwhile, BermudAir flight 752 from Orlando landed safely at LFWIA at approximately 12.30am, once it received confirmation that the threat had been nullified.”

The spokeswoman said flight operations at the airport continued “as scheduled” while the BPS as well as Bermudian and international aviation security officials investigated the incident.

She added: “Airport authorities regret the inconvenience caused to passengers affected by this incident.

“The safety and security of all passengers, personnel and airport users remains the highest priority.”

A BPS spokesman said earlier: “Shortly before 9.30pm on Sunday, May 5, 2024, police were notified by staff at the LF Wade International Airport of a bomb threat that was received via e-mail.

“Staff also advised that emergency landing protocols had been initiated at the airport.”

Police were sent to the Causeway and Kindley Field Road, which were closed to traffic “while the airport building and its environs were searched by airport security”, the spokesman added.

He said: “Once the all-clear was given and the airport was declared safe, regular traffic flow was restored.

“We wish to thank the public for their patience and co-operation during this emergency road closure.”

BA passengers were earlier reported to be safe and well.

A spokeswoman for British Airways said: “The safety of our customers and colleagues is always our highest priority and we followed our standard procedures to disembark the aircraft.

“Our teams are caring for our customers and supporting crew as we work to get them on their way as soon as possible.”

Regular traffic flow was restored on both the Causeway and Kindley Field Road by 11pm.

• UPDATE: this article has been updated with a comment from Skyport