Vaz Outlines Steps for NMIA Reopening by Thursday
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz has announced steps for the reopening of the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston by Thursday, October 30. This announcement comes as the airport suspended operations last Saturday due to Hurricane Melissa. The major hurricane has impacted several areas in Jamaica, raising concerns about the status of other airports.
Current Airport Status
This shutdown of NMIA coincided with the approach of Hurricane Melissa, while Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay also halted operations at noon on Sunday. The reopening of Sangster is uncertain as the western region of the island faces significant disruptions from the storm.
Consultations and Inspections
Minister Vaz stated he has engaged in discussions with PACKAL, the operators of NMIA, and the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) about resuming emergency flights. He expressed optimism that, assuming the hurricane dissipates by the day’s end, operations at NMIA will resume shortly.
- NMIA Reopening: Expected by Thursday, October 30.
- Hurricane Impact: Melissa poses challenges primarily for Sangster International Airport.
- Inspection Schedule: NMIA will undergo audits and cleanup on October 29.
Aviation Fuel Availability
Vaz confirmed that Petrojam, Jamaica’s state-owned oil refinery, has sufficient aviation fuel reserves. With three weeks’ worth stored in both Montego Bay and Kingston, he noted that all three airports are operating at 75-80% fuel capacity. This readiness will facilitate the swift resumption of flights post-hurricane.
Contingency Planning for Airports
As part of contingency measures, the Ian Fleming International Airport has been earmarked for potential use. However, the situation at Sangster remains precarious, primarily due to the anticipated effects of Hurricane Melissa.
In summary, while NMIA is on track to reopen by Thursday, the status of Sangster remains uncertain until further assessments can be made following the hurricane’s impact.
