The major hurricane made landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday (28 October), bringing exceptional levels of rainfall and strong winds to Jamaica, causing widespread damage to roads and infrastructure and disruption to electricity and other utilities services.
Passenger operations have now resumed from Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and Ian Fleming International Airport near Ocho Rios. Sangster International Airport in Montego is expected to reopen for limited commercial flights today (Friday 31 October).
Carrier, which sells many of Jamaica’s most iconic hotels, secured updates from a number of them, which it has shared with TTG.
“We currently don’t have any clients in Jamaica and no forward bookings at the moment; however we always keep in touch with our hotel partners and DMCs on the ground,” said Jenny Basham, product manager – long-haul beach.
Jamaica Inn says it received minimal damage from the hurricane and will remain open. It is operating on limited power during the day, but the main power is restored each evening between 5pm-6am. It expects full restoration in the coming days.
Island Outpost Resorts (Goldeneye, Strawberry Hill and The Caves) says all three properties “seem to be okay”, but it is working to assess the full impact.
Round Hill is closed and will open on the 8th December. The resort experienced minimal cosmetic damage, but has closed due to the local infrastructure and power being impacted. It will do its best to open earlier.
The western and southern parts of the island bore the brunt of the storm, particularly St. Elizabeth Parish, which experienced significant flooding. Kingston and the areas surrounding appear to have been less severely affected, according to Basham.
Meanwhile British nationals in Jamaica are being strongly advised by the FCDO to “register their presence”. This will allow the FCDO to share important updates, including information on UK government charter flights.
The UK government is preparing some flights to help transport British nationals out of Jamaica. Travellers should contact their airline or travel provider in the first instance to see if commercial options are available, and if they have already booked a flight home to confirm if it is still operating.
The FCDO will directly contact those who are allocated a seat on the flight and British nationals should not make their way to the airport unless they are contacted.
British nationals who have already registered via the Register Your Presence portal will automatically be contacted and provided with a link to the booking portal.
