Jamaica’s Roads and Airports Reopen: Government Moves Swiftly to Restore Access After Hurricane Melissa

Jamaica is pushing forward with determination and discipline in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, as the government works to restore national mobility and public trust. Transport and Energy Minister Daryl Vaz announced that all toll roads will remain free of cost to the public as part of ongoing recovery measures — warning against “unscrupulous” individuals attempting to charge motorists illegally. At the same time, all three international airports — Norman Manley (Kingston), Sangster (Montego Bay), and Ian Fleming (St. Mary) — have reopened for relief and limited commercial flights, signaling a crucial step toward normalcy.

During a press briefing at Jamaica House on Thursday, Minister Vaz confirmed that nine flights arrived at Norman Manley, two at Ian Fleming, and additional cargo flights at Sangster International Airport. These include shipments of technical support and supplies sent by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP) from Mexico. “Norman Manley is back up for all intents and purposes,” Vaz stated, noting that flights from major carriers such as American Airlines, Caribbean Airlines, Air Canada, JetBlue, and Copa Airlines have resumed operations.

Despite roof and flood damage to sections of Sangster International Airport, Vaz assured that gates 8 to 19 remain operational, accommodating the island’s recovery flights and limited passenger services. “We don’t expect a large influx of flights outside of relief and limited operations,” he explained, emphasizing the balance between safety, access, and controlled reopening.

Meanwhile, local aerodromes damaged by the Category 5 storm are also being prepared for reopening to support domestic transport and emergency logistics. Vaz has called for police oversight to maintain transparency and ensure that no citizen is exploited during the national recovery effort.

The government’s unified response — from toll roads to tarmacs — reflects Jamaica’s resilience in crisis. With infrastructure gradually coming back online, the nation’s focus now shifts to rebuilding stronger, safer, and more accountable systems in the wake of Hurricane Melissa.

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