Just a few days after the passage of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s primary air hub has reopened, Caribbean Journal has learned.
Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport officially reopened Nov. 1 for limited commercial flights.
The airport’s reopening is a major boost for the island following the devastation wrought by Melissa, which was concentrated in the western end of the country.
It’s not a complete reopening, as 7 gates were damaged by Melissa and remain out of use.
“We are committed to ensuring that all systems are fully operational and meet the highest safety standards before resuming commercial operations,” the airport said in a statement. “Our objective is to restore operations swiftly but safely, minimizing disruption to the traveling public.”
On Saturday, three flights arrived and departed from Jamaica: American Airlines from Miami, LATAM roundtrip from Lima, and Virgin Atlantic roundtrip from London Heathrow.
Airport officials said they urged passengers to confirm their status with their airlines before traveling to the airport to “prevent unnecessary congestion.”
Even the airport’s popular lounge, Club Mobay, was already back open.
“We are open,” Club Mobay announced on Facebook on Saturday. “We will get through this with true Jamaican spirit, stronger together.
Our doors are open, and we can’t wait to welcome you.”
The news of the reopening was first announced by the Airports Authority of Jamaica and confirmed by Delano Seiveright, Jamaica’s Minister of State for Industry, Investment and Commerce.
Jamaica’s other main airport, Norman Manley International Airport, is also open to commercial flights.
