Processing Of Passengers At NMIA Resume Shortly

The processing of travelers at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston will resume shortly following the extinguishing of a fire that occurred in the terminal building.

The fire, which was discovered at about 7:30 pm on Friday (March 14), was doused by teams from the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and NMIA Fire Services.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PAC Kingston Airports Ltd, Sitara English-Byfield, told JIS News that following a walk-through of the terminal to determine the safety of the building, the management team decided to facilitate the deplaning of passengers of three aircraft that were being held on the airfield.

She noted that although the departure area is still experiencing some smoke, the arrivals side as well as the customs and immigration areas are clear.

“We are about to have customs and immigration come back to their posts and once they are ready, we will have the aircraft that are holding on the airside release the passengers for arrival processing,” the CEO said.

Mrs. English-Byfield told JIS News that travelers who had earlier been evacuated from the terminal will also be able to return. “We will allow persons outside the building to come back in and keep them cordoned to one side of the building to begin the departure process,” she said. Mrs. English Byfield noted that the fire was contained in the Club Kingston Lounge, which was the only area that sustained damage.

She indicated that further checks will be done to determine if there is any structural damage to the ceiling.