Jamaica Airports Begin Phased Reopening

Published on Oct 30, 2025, 9:34 am CDT

3 min read

Key points

Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston resumes commercial flights on October 30
Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay handles relief flights from about 10:00 a.m. on October 30
Montego Bay commercial passenger flights expected by Friday morning local time
American Airlines confirms Kingston service resuming October 30
Travelers should expect cancellations, rolling delays, and schedule changes during the restart

Impact

Check Flight Status Frequently: Cancellations and time changes are likely during the first 48 hours of operations
Use Airline Waivers: Rebook to later dates or alternate routings where waivers apply
Allow Extra Connection Time: Mismatched schedules and equipment swaps can increase misconnections
Prepare For Limited Services: Airport amenities, baggage systems, and ground transport may be constrained
Monitor Montego Bay Timeline: Relief flights first with commercial services targeted by Friday morning local time

Jamaica's airports are moving from storm response to recovery after Hurricane Melissa. Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston reopened to commercial traffic on October 30, while Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay began handling relief flights around 10:00 a.m. the same day, with commercial passenger operations expected by Friday morning, local time. Travelers should plan for rolling delays, limited services, and ongoing schedule adjustments as carriers restart operations islandwide.

Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston

Transport officials signaled that Kingston would be the first to resume normal flying, and airlines began re-entering schedules accordingly. American Airlines confirmed it is resuming Kingston operations on October 30, aligning with the airport's restart and broader regional reopenings. Expect a mix of operated flights and cancellations as crews, aircraft, and airport systems are rebalanced.

Montego Bay's phased path

Montego Bay prioritized relief flights on October 30, with authorities indicating commercial passenger services should follow by Friday morning, pending final assessments and readiness checks. Given MBJ's larger share of Jamaica's leisure traffic, travelers booked through Montego Bay should anticipate fuller schedules resuming in waves, along with longer lines for rebooking and baggage services during the first operating days.

Latest developments

Airlines are progressively updating timetables and waiver policies as infrastructure and staffing stabilize. American's restoration of Kingston flying on October 30 is an early example of carriers rebuilding the network as airfields reopen across the region impacted by Melissa. Check your carrier's travel advisory page for current options if your flight is canceled, delayed, or retimed.

Analysis

The sequencing, Kingston first then Montego Bay, reflects field conditions and access priorities after severe wind and flood damage. Even as runways and towers are declared operational, baggage systems, catering, jet bridges, and ground transport often lag by a day or more. That is why relief flights typically precede commercial services at harder-hit airports, and why on-time performance remains volatile during the restart window. If you have flexibility, rebook to flights later in the day or to the next day to reduce the risk of a misconnection.

Background Hurricane Melissa disrupted Jamaica's aviation system, closing major airports and prompting carriers to suspend or curtail flying. As conditions improve, authorities and airlines are restoring service in phases, beginning with essential relief operations and then ramping to full commercial schedules as power, staffing, and systems recover.

Final thoughts

For the next 48 hours, treat plans as provisional. Confirm your itinerary, arrive early, and build extra time for connections. As Jamaica's airports continue their phased reopening, with Kingston already back and Montego Bay poised to follow, schedules should steadily normalize.