Jamaica will close its three international airports as Hurricane Melissa approaches the Caribbean island, threatening severe flooding and sustained high winds. Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay stops operations at noon on Sunday, while Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston shuts down at 9 p.m. on Saturday, and Ian Fleming International Airport in St. Mary closes at 7 p.m. the same evening.
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said officials are working with tourism authorities and airlines to help departing visitors leave before the weather system arrives. The final scheduled arrival at Norman Manley is set for 8 p.m. on Saturday, with airport staff prepared to handle any delayed flights before suspending all services.
Weather forecasters warn the slow-moving hurricane could deliver multiple days of heavy rainfall, potentially causing flash floods and landslides across mountain regions and low-lying communities. Airport operators coordinated the closure schedule with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica to protect passengers and aviation infrastructure from the approaching storm.
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said officials are working with tourism authorities and airlines to help departing visitors leave before the weather system arrives. The final scheduled arrival at Norman Manley is set for 8 p.m. on Saturday, with airport staff prepared to handle any delayed flights before suspending all services.
Weather forecasters warn the slow-moving hurricane could deliver multiple days of heavy rainfall, potentially causing flash floods and landslides across mountain regions and low-lying communities. Airport operators coordinated the closure schedule with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica to protect passengers and aviation infrastructure from the approaching storm.
