The switch from the existing terminal to the new one at LF Wade International Airport will happen overnight.

It is a daunting logistical challenge, and even though the change over is more than a year away, major planning is under way.

Construction of the new terminal is on schedule to be completed in July 2020. A date for the opening of the 277,300 sq ft facility has not yet been set.

Aaron Adderley, president of airport operator Skyport, said: “We are right on target. We are engaging in what we call an operational readiness programme, working with all the stakeholders in planning the transition from the existing terminal over to the new terminal.

“That transition is going to happen overnight, so there is a lot of planning that goes with facilitating that transfer.”

He said Skyport is working with other agencies, including airlines, the Government, and customs and immigration, to ready for the switchover.

“We are working with everyone who has a presence at the airport to define exactly what the needs and requirements are, to ensure that we have a smooth transition in 2020.”

Mr Adderley said everything was going “full steam ahead”, and he was happy with the progress being made. He said everyone was looking forward to moving in to the new terminal, and added: “From our standpoint, Skyport and Aecon, we are committed to delivering the terminal building on time, and we are well on our way to doing that.”

The opening of the new terminal might coincide with announcements of a new flight, or flights, to the island.

Skyport, the Bermuda Tourism Authority and the Bermuda Airport Authority, are working to attract new flights, according to Mr Adderley.

He said: “Collectively we are constantly in dialogue with a number of carriers, not only incumbent carriers but also new carriers. The idea is to look towards getting additional services, whether it be from secondary markets in the United States, perhaps other Canadian gateways, and also the UK/Europe.”

He added: “We have a number of balls in the air, and we are planning and hoping that next summer one of those will materialise and we will have a new flight, or a couple of new flights, [either then] or shortly thereafter.”