Builders will move into Bermuda International Airport today to begin phase two of a $20 million redevelopment.

Giant hoardings will go up in the arrivals hall to mask renovation work costing $5 million in the area for baggage reclaim and customs.

The work will allow the airport to handle a 30 percent increase in passengers.

But the airport visitor desk, run by the Chamber of Commerce, has already been removed because space inside will be so tight during the four-month construction period.

Jack Gordon, General Manager of the Department of Airport Operations, said it was unlikely the desk would return.

But he added that a temporary visitor information desk would open in the hall outside customs until a decision was made.

And he said extra airport staff would by drafted in to give advice to arriving passengers and guide them to taxis.

Mr. Gordon said the hoardings would be put up along the sidewalk area around the arrivals hall.

He added: "We want people to remember that at the end of the project we will have a more welcome environment for passengers arriving in Bermuda.

"There will be some difficulty for passengers in the meantime but additional staff will be on hand to help provide directions and instructions.

"Airline staff will be available to help people arriving as well.

"We will obviously try to keep disruption to a minimum but when it comes to construction, you can't make an omelette without cracking a couple of eggs.'' Contractors BCM McAlpine will extend the baggage area by 38 feet, working to a design drawn up by architects Conyers & Associates.

Baggage conveyor belts, now 22 years old, will be replaced on January 26.

Workmen will also start on a new ground transportation system to relocate car parks and build a separate lounge for taxi drivers.

And independent transport advisers will be hired to help passengers.

The revamped baggage reclaim area will be unveiled in May if phase two runs to schedule.

It will include Bermudian-style pillars and a new colour scheme with huge, lit pictures of Bermudian scenes.

There will also be a stage so local musicians can entertain arriving passengers.

Mr. Gordon added: "We are sorry that the visitor desk has been removed but we will keep up a service for arriving passengers.

"It won't be the same kind of organised set-up that was staffed through the Chamber of Commerce but we only have an average of one passenger a day who arrives without a hotel or accommodation booked.'' The airport is also ready to pilot a new CUTE computer system to reduce delays in the departure lounge.

The Common-User Terminal Equipment system will allow all airlines to use any check-in desk and it is hoped the move will attract even more airlines to Bermuda.

Phase one of the regeneration plan included hundreds of new take-off and landing lights and renovations to the arrivals and departures lounge, US departure area and immigration hall.

Phase three, yet to be mapped out, could involve a complete overhaul of the cargo terminal.