Jamaica to reopen Norman Manley International following Hurricane Melissa

One of Jamaica’s two international airports is to reopen today following the passing of Hurricane Melissa.

The Foreign Office confirmed that Norman Manley International airport in Kingston has announced that passenger operations will resume from 7am local time today (Thursday).

However, the status of Sangster International airport in Montego Bay remains unclear, but updates will be issued via its social media platforms (@MBJAIRPORT), according to the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Sangster airport sustained damage as the historically severe hurricane struck Jamaica.

The airport used by the likes of Tui and Virgin Atlantic has been shut since Sunday with flights suspended due to the hurricane and an estimated 8,000 British holidaymakers left on the island as Melissa struck.

Tui has flown aircraft to the region to it is ready to operate as soon as it is safe to transport people to the airport.

But package holiday departures to Montego Bay have been cancelled through to November 2, including flights from Gatwick, Manchester and Birmingham.

Meanwhile, in a travel update for Cuba, the FCDO said: “Hurricane Melissa has now passed through eastern Cuba. 

“The full impact of the hurricane is not yet clear, but damage is expected to be significant. 

“The storm brought exceptional levels of wind and rainfall, resulting in flash floods, landslides and storm surges. Infrastructure and services are likely to be severely impacted for some time. 

“The national power grid in Cuba is already under severe pressure and the impact of hurricane Melissa could lead to further significant power outages.”

The latest advisory for The Bahamas said: “Hurricane Melissa passed through The Bahamas’ southern islands on the afternoon of 29 October bringing significant levels of rainfall and storm surges. 

“Local authorities continue to monitor the weather system closely.”