New York, Info Publik New York airports will close Saturday at noon (16h00 GMT) for all arriving flights, airport authorities said Friday (26/8) evening.

The decision to close airports in advance of Hurricane Irene`s anticipated arrival will effect LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport, said an airport authority spokesperson for New York and New Jersey.

"They will be closed to arriving flights only," said Steve Coleman, adding the closure effects "thousands of flights."

Departures are still authorized, though a majority of airline carriers had already cancelled their Saturday departures from the three airports, he added.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Friday ordered an unprecedented mass evacuation and the closure of the subway as millions of Americans along the east coast battened down for Hurricane Irene.

Authorities had earlier announced that New York`s massive transit system would begin to shut down midday Saturday in another rare move that could hinder transport into Monday`s rush hour. (Antara/L.vi)