Tourists and residents arriving at Bermuda International Airport yesterday reported no problems as they quickly cleared Customs and Immigration, reports Bianca Williams.

A total of 11 flights arrived at with 922 travellers, and the terminal was “a bit lighter than usual”, said airport general manager Jim Howe.

He also said that none of the flights were full and anyone who drove by the airport yesterday could see that it was not busy at all. Around noon, the first people came out of the arrivals hall.

Returning resident Ronald Stan was the first one of his flight, he said, “I went straight through. I usually use Fastgate, but it rejected me this time.”

Ms Ingram, a resident, said: “I came in from New Jersey and I just had to wait for my bags. It was much easier this way than the last. I don't know how it would be on a crowded day, but today it (the wait) was okay.”

Neil Forrest and Jay Tucker, returning students, said: “It was really quick and efficient, every time I come through it's more efficient.”

As time passed, more people arrived and the wait began however passengers said it was not too long.

Visitor Carol Reeve-Newson said: “I had a wait, maybe ten or 15 minutes. It doesn't matter to me, I have to wait for someone on a next flight.”

Fiona Sullivan also an incoming visitor said the wait was long but, “it was a nice atmosphere with the music and all.”

John Dewitt, who said he was no stranger to the Island said: “We waited because they brought three planes in within 15 minutes. That's the airlines, that has nothing to do with Bermuda.” He also said that on his previous trips to Bermuda, the wait was not that bad.

However, a taxi driver said: “Most times the wait can be up to two hours to pass through Customs.”

He continued: “I even had a customer who said he would never come back because of the wait.”

Repeat visitor, Leanna Hosie said: “The wait was long, but it is relative to Toronto.”

She also said it seemed a bit faster when they had individual lines for people to stand in to reach an officer instead of one long waiting line.