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Jamaica's airports were closed in July 2024 due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. The Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston were among the airports that suffered damage. The Sangster International Airport reopened on July 4 at 6:00 p.m., while the Norman Manley International Airport reopened on July 5 at 5:00 a.m. The Ian Fleming International Airport and three domestic aerodromes also sustained minor damage but were operational, reopening on July 4 at 7:00 a.m.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of reopening | 5 July 2024 |
| Airports | Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), Ian Fleming International Airport, Sangster International Airport (SIA), Tinson Pen, Negril, Ken Jones |
| Reason for closure | Hurricane Beryl |
| Damage | Sections of the roof of the passenger pier damaged, debris scattered on the airport apron |
| Current status | Runways, terminals, and other facilities are in order |
| Action required | Corrective and interim make-shift measures |
| Flight status | Emergency flights operating, commercial flights expected to resume soon |
| Travel restrictions | None, but electronic immigration forms are mandatory |
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What You'll Learn
The impact of Hurricane Beryl on airport operations
Hurricane Beryl, a tropical cyclone, impacted parts of the Caribbean, the Yucatán Peninsula, and the Gulf Coast of the United States in late June and early July 2024. The storm broke several meteorological records, particularly for its early formation and intensity.
In Jamaica, the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston and the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay were closed on July 3 due to the hurricane. The Ian Fleming International Airport in St Mary and three domestic aerodromes—Tinson Pen, Negril, and Ken Jones—also sustained minor structural damage but were operational.
The passage of Hurricane Beryl caused damage to sections of the roof of the passenger pier at NMIA, resulting in debris scattered on the airport apron. However, the runway, terminal, and other facilities remained intact. The airport implemented corrective measures to enable its reopening on July 5. On the other hand, Sangster International Airport did not sustain any significant damage and resumed operations on July 4 at 6 p.m.
In Houston, the George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) experienced significant disruptions due to Hurricane Beryl. On July 8, the day of the storm, Houston Airports cancelled hundreds of flights, affecting over 200,000 passengers. Maintenance crews worked to clear debris, repair damaged infrastructure, and restore power. By July 9, outbound flights resumed, and travel waivers were offered to passengers.
Hurricane Beryl also impacted airports in other regions. In Cancún, over 300 flights were cancelled, and Tulum Airport suspended operations from July 4 to midday on July 7. Additionally, Amtrak cancelled several runs between New Orleans and San Antonio, and railway operations in the Houston area were suspended or delayed.
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Reopening of Sangster International Airport
The Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was closed in July 2024 due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl. The hurricane caused no major damage to the airport, and the runway, terminal, and all other facilities were in order for regular operations. The airport was scheduled to reopen on Thursday, July 4, at 6:00 p.m.
Prior to this closure, the airport had implemented new safety protocols to meet the reopening of the country's borders, which had been closed since March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These protocols included elevated safety measures for communication, screening, and sanitization. Access to the departure terminal was temporarily limited to ticketed passengers, airport employees, and authorized individuals. All airport staff interacting with travellers were required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE), and plexiglass barriers were installed at check-in, boarding, and processing counters to minimize direct contact.
In August 2023, the runway at Sangster International Airport was temporarily closed due to issues with ongoing construction work. The closure caused the cancellation of at least one flight and the diversion of several others, leading to chaotic scenes and passenger complaints. However, the issue was promptly addressed, and the runway was reopened on the same day, with flights resuming their normal operations.
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Reopening of Norman Manley International Airport
The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Jamaica, is set to reopen following its closure due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl. The category hurricane swept through the island on Wednesday, July 3, 2024, causing damage to the airport.
The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) reported damage to sections of the roof of the passenger pier, to which the jet bridges are attached. The hurricane also resulted in major debris being scattered on the airport apron. However, the runway, terminal, and other facilities are reported to be in order for the resumption of regular operations.
To facilitate the reopening, the airport remained closed on Thursday, July 4, to implement corrective and interim makeshift measures. The proposed reopening of the airport is scheduled for 5 a.m. on Friday, July 5. Passengers and stakeholders in the travel and tourism industry are advised to stay tuned to announcements by the respective airports and airlines regarding the recommencement of operations and flights.
The Ian Fleming International Airport in St Mary and the three domestic aerodromes at Tinson Pen, Negril, and Ken Jones have also been inspected. Despite minor damage to structures in some parts of these facilities, the runways and terminals are fine and operational, according to the AAJ. These facilities were reopened at 7 a.m. on July 4.
Prior to the hurricane, Jamaica had already imposed COVID-19 restrictions when strains on the healthcare system became unsustainable. In 2020, Jamaica took steps to cut off international arrivals and significantly minimize exposure to the virus. On June 15, 2020, the country reopened air travel with strict measures, including pre-travel testing and limiting visitors to a "Resilient Corridor." As of 2025, Jamaica has no travel restrictions, and all businesses are open and welcoming tourists.
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Ian Fleming International Airport and aerodromes
The Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) in St Mary, Jamaica, is located 10 km (6.2 mi) east of Ocho Rios in northeastern Jamaica. The airport is named after Ian Fleming, the creator of the James Bond novels, whose Goldeneye estate is located just 5 km from the airport. The IFIA is designed to handle private and commercial aircraft and features a modern terminal, landing lights, a fire truck garage, and a fuelling station.
In July 2024, the IFIA and three domestic aerodromes, Tinson Pen, Negril, and Ken Jones, were closed due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl. The aerodromes sustained minor damage to structures, but the runways and terminals were unaffected and operational. The IFIA was reopened at 7 a.m. on July 5, 2024, following inspections and corrective measures.
The IFIA was previously known as the Boscobel Aerodrome (or Ocho Rios - Boscobel Airport) and was a limited-service facility that processed about 20,000 passengers annually. The airport underwent renovations beginning in 2009, with a total construction cost of $300 million (JMD). It was officially opened on January 12, 2011, by Prime Minister Bruce Golding, with the intention of attracting high-end tourism to Jamaica's north coast.
The IFIA offers competitive aeronautical rates and is conveniently located close to resorts, restaurants, golf courses, and beaches, reducing transportation costs for passengers. The airport provides superior service, including knowledgeable staff, professional luggage handling, and up-to-date flight information. The personalised services offered include providing local maps, tour guides, ground transportation information, and recommendations for private concierge services.
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COVID-19 restrictions and travel requirements
As of 2025, Jamaica has no COVID-19 travel restrictions in place. However, the country has been proactive in implementing preventive COVID-19 measures in the past, particularly when the healthcare system faced strain. In 2020, Jamaica took steps to cut off international arrivals and significantly reduce exposure to the virus. When air travel resumed in June 2020, strict measures were enforced, including pre-travel testing and limiting visitors to a "Resilient Corridor". Only licensed accommodations and attractions located outside these resilient corridors and certified as COVID-19 protocol-compliant could accommodate guests.
While there are no COVID-19-related restrictions as of 2025, Jamaica has general travel requirements that must be adhered to. Electronic immigration forms are mandatory and can be filled out in advance or at the airport using the airport Wi-Fi. Completing the form beforehand expedites the customs and immigration process upon arrival. The form requires details such as the number of luggage pieces, declarations of currency or monetary instruments over USD$10,000, and a return ticket or proof of onward travel.
In July 2024, Jamaica's airports were temporarily closed due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl. The Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay and the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston sustained minor damage but resumed operations within a few days. The Ian Fleming International Airport in St. Mary and three domestic aerodromes—Tinson Pen, Negril, and Ken Jones—also reopened after inspections, with their runways and terminals operational.
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Frequently asked questions
Jamaica's airports closed on July 2, 2024, ahead of Hurricane Beryl.
The Ian Fleming International Airport in St Mary and the three domestic aerodromes, Tinson Pen, Negril, and Ken Jones, reopened on July 4, 2024. The Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay reopened on the same day at 6 p.m. for emergency flights and commercial flights by midday. The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston reopened on July 5, 2024, at 5 a.m.
No, in 2025 there were no travel restrictions in Jamaica, and all businesses were open and receiving tourists. However, electronic immigration forms were mandatory and could be filled out in advance or at the airport using the airport Wi-Fi.
The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) sustained damage to sections of the roof of the passenger pier, which resulted in debris scattered on the airport apron. However, the runway, terminal, and other facilities remained operational.
An assessment of conditions at Jamaica's airports was carried out to facilitate their reopening. The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) indicated that corrective actions were necessary before resuming operations.
