Jamaican Airport in Montego Bay Set to Have Commercial Flights Starting Saturday Morning

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Jamaica was hit hard this past week by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa. Hurricane Melissa is the 3rd-worst hurricane in Atlantic history according to the National Hurricane Center.

The Jamaican airports were no exception to the destruction caused by Melissa, as many of them had roofs and parts of buildings destroyed. However, starting on Saturday, Nov. 1, airports are now available for commercial flights, according to the Minister of Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport Hon. Daryl Vaz.

“Montego Bay airport had a lot more damage and had a direct hit,” Vaz Said. “And finally and thankfully, at 7 o’clock tomorrow morning, NBG will open for commercial passengers.”

The Montego Bay airport was hit the hardest, taking a direct hit from the storm and leaving severe damage to the airport. All Jamaican airports had been shut down for a brief period of time, starting right before Hurricane Melissa hit. This left many tourists without a commercial flight and others without private flights. These tourists were stuck at resorts and shelters just hoping to make it through the storm.

Photo By: Steve Urback

Some airports are already reopened after the storm damage. The Kingston airport was not hit as hard as Hurricane Melissa did most of its damage to the southwest and west side of the island. Kingston Airport in Jamaica has already reopened, and there has been a sea of tourists trying to leave the country.

Many residents and tourists shared videos of the damage to the airport and how catastrophic it was for transportation. Damage to the windows and interior of the building was significant as there was wind and rain blowing through the whole building.

Tourists all over the country were stuck in their hotels and shelters. There were almost 15,000 Jamaicans and tourists in shelters, according to NPR. One of the tourists, Steve Urback, and his wife, Crissie Urback, of Wisconsin, were among the tourists stuck in Jamaica.

“It’s crazy the thoughts that go through your head,” Steve Urback said. “You don’t know if you’re going to make it.”

Many tourists were being very cautious, staying in their hotels and waiting out the storm. However, many of the locals were not taking precautions and taking shelter like the National Hurricane Center was saying.

“This is an extremely dangerous and life-threatening situation,” The Hurricane Center said. “Take cover now.”

Some locals during this time were not even taking cover. Just a few hours before, there were still people walking and driving on the streets of Jamaica, not listening to the warnings.

So far, there have been a total of 19 deaths from Hurricane Melissa, and it is expected to rise, according to Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information Dana Morris Dixon.

“We are at 19 confirmed, but we do expect that number will change today,” Dixon said on Friday.

After the passing of Hurricane Melissa, the relief for Jamaica continues to come. Many emergency relief helicopters have been coming to Jamaica for emergency assistance for injuries and other essential needs. Tourists also now have the ability to leave with the airports’ opening. Jamaica is starting to get the relief it needs, and the transportation services are opening.

“That allows us to get out all of the people,” Vaz said. “Tourists especially.”