Jamaica’s international airports are closed as Hurricane Melissa approaches. Travellers are advised to shelter in place, with hotels offering support and contingency plans for guests.
Jamaica has suspended all international air traffic as Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 5 storm, bears down on the island. Both Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay closed on Sunday 26 October, with no confirmed reopening date as of Monday afternoon
The storm, described by meteorologists as one of the most powerful to threaten Jamaica in decades, is expected to bring up to 1,000mm of rain, storm surges of up to 13 feet, and sustained winds of 150mph. Authorities have warned of “catastrophic flash flooding and numerous landslides” across the island.
Support for travellers on the ground
For business and leisure travellers already in Jamaica, hotels and resorts — particularly those inland or on elevated ground — have activated emergency protocols. Many properties have relocated guests from coastal areas to safer zones or reinforced shelters, with staff trained in hurricane preparedness. Several resorts are offering extended stays at no additional cost for guests unable to depart.
The Jamaican government has opened nearly 900 emergency shelters nationwide and activated its national disaster response plan. Power and communication outages are expected, but key hospitality providers are operating on backup systems to maintain essential services.
Airline and Consular guidance
Airlines including Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and American Airlines have cancelled or postponed flights to and from Jamaica. Flexible rebooking policies and fee waivers are in place for affected passengers. Travellers are urged not to go to the airport and instead contact their airline directly for updates.
The UK Foreign Office has issued updated travel advice and is providing consular support to British nationals in Jamaica.
Looking ahead
While the full impact of Hurricane Melissa remains to be seen, Jamaica’s tourism and hospitality sectors are working to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors. Business travellers with upcoming trips are advised to monitor airline advisories and local weather updates closely. Once the storm passes, infrastructure assessments will determine when normal operations can resume.