Jamaica airports waive fees for relief flights following Hurricane Melissa

Operators of Jamaica’s two main international airports are waiving landing and parking fees for non-commercial relief flights as part of the ongoing Hurricane Melissa response.

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Sangster International Airport, operated by MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ) in Montego Bay, St. James, implemented the waiver on October 30, the same day it opened for relief flights. The airport has since resumed limited commercial operations. Relief flights eligible for the fee waiver include those carrying food, drinking water, medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, shelter materials, hygiene products, fuel for emergency operations, and other items designated by the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and relevant government agencies.

“The situation is critical, and immediate action is required to deliver much-needed aid and supplies to affected Jamaicans,” said MBJ CEO Shane Munroe.

With commercial flights resuming on a limited basis, MBJ is expecting high passenger volumes as tourists who were unable to travel before the hurricane return home. Munroe urged travellers to verify flight details with their airlines and ensure confirmed bookings before arriving at the airport. He added that updates would be shared via MBJ’s social media platforms to help reduce congestion.

Meanwhile, Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, operated by PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), began its waiver period on Tuesday. Like MBJ, the waiver applies to non-commercial relief flights carrying critical supplies and medical personnel. NMIA started accepting relief flights last Wednesday and resumed commercial operations on Thursday.

“We are in crisis and there is an urgent need to get critical aid and supplies to our fellow Jamaicans,” said PACKAL CEO Sitara English-Byfield. She noted that the airport has sufficient capacity to handle the increased volume of flights and passengers, with staffing adjusted accordingly to support operations.

Both airports have confirmed that the waiver will remain in effect for the duration of relief and recovery efforts, underscoring Jamaica’s commitment to facilitating rapid aid delivery following Hurricane Melissa.