Jamaica’s Major Airports Closed Ahead of Hurricane Melissa

Both of Jamaica’s international airports have suspended operations as Hurricane Melissa draws closer to the island.

Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston ceased operations following the final incoming flight on Saturday (October 25), while Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, St. James, closed at midday on Sunday (October 26).

Minister of Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, who provided the update, informed that 11 outbound flights from Montego Bay were facilitated prior to the closure of Sangster Airport.

He was speaking during a press briefing on developments related to Hurricane Melissa, held at the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in Kingston on Sunday (October 26).

Minister Vaz also reminded the public that the East-West and North-South tolls will be opened as soon as he receives confirmation from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica “that the weather is up on us”.

Minister Vaz reiterated that the East-West and North-South toll roads will be opened once the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) confirms that adverse weather conditions are imminent.

Minister Vaz reiterated that the East-West and North-South toll roads will be opened upon confirmation from the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (Met Service) that adverse weather conditions are imminent.

He added that the tollbooths will remain open and operate free of charge in the aftermath of the major Category Four hurricane, “to allow for emergency responses and for persons to be able to access and get to their families, their businesses and their properties.”

Hurricane Melissa is forecast to make landfall on Jamaica’s southern coast late Monday evening (October 27) or early Tuesday morning (October 28), before tracking northward across the island.