News

Jamaica flights disrupted as dispute shuts airspace

Flights to Jamaica were abruptly disrupted on Thursday due to a dispute over a shortage of air traffic controllers.

Thousands of passengers were left stranded as at least 28 flights to Montego Bay alone were cancelled, with some having to turn back or be diverted.

Services began to resume later in the day following negotiations to reopen Jamaican airspace.

The Foreign Office issued an alert earlier warning that flights had been prevented from taking off or landing at Sangster International airport in Montego Bay, Norman Manley International airport in Kingston, and Ian Fleming International airport in Ocho Rios.

“This is due to a shortage of air traffic controllers related to an industrial dispute. Travellers are advised to contact their travel provider for the latest information,” the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said.

“More generally, travellers can expect delays and cancellation of flights in and out of Jamaica at short notice. These can be as a result of Covid-19 measures, poor weather conditions or operational problems.”

The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority later advised the that air traffic services were being restored “as dialogue progresses between the authority and its key stakeholders, particularly the Jamaica Air Traffic Controllers Association (JATCA)”.

The operator of Montego Bay airport confirmed that air traffic service has been restored to allow a full schedule of flights today (Friday), including two Tui Airways services to Gatwick.

Share article

View Comments

Jacobs Media is honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Queen's Award for Enterprise.

The highest official awards for UK businesses since being established by royal warrant in 1965. Read more.