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The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Jamaica, is an important aviation hub, serving over 130 international flights and recording hundreds of thousands of arriving passengers each year. The airport underwent a major renovation project with three phases, which was set to be completed by 2022. Most recently, the airport was affected by the passage of Hurricane Beryl in July 2024, which caused damage to sections of the roof and resulted in scattered debris. Operations at the airport were expected to resume on Friday, July 5 at 5:00 a.m., following necessary corrective measures and inspections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Norman Manley International Airport |
| Former Name | Palisadoes Airport |
| Location | Kingston, Jamaica |
| Reopening Date | July 5, 2024 |
| Closure Reason | Passage of Hurricane Beryl |
| Damage | Minor infrastructural damage, debris, damage to sections of the roof of the passenger pier |
| Operational Status | Expected to resume operations on July 5, 2024, at 5:00 a.m. |
| Recommendations | Passengers advised to stay tuned to announcements by the airport and airlines for updates |
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What You'll Learn
The airport closed due to Hurricane Beryl
The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Jamaica, closed due to Hurricane Beryl, which passed over the island on 3 July 2024. The hurricane caused damage to sections of the roof of the passenger pier, where jet bridges are attached. This resulted in debris being scattered on the airport apron. Despite the damage, the runway, terminal, and other facilities were reported to be in order for operations.
The airport's closure was necessary to ensure the safety of passengers, staff, and aircraft. Hurricanes can pose significant dangers, with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and flying debris. The airport authorities likely assessed the situation and determined that the impact of the hurricane warranted a temporary closure to implement corrective measures and ensure the airport's infrastructure could withstand the extreme weather conditions.
As a result of the closure, flights to and from the airport were disrupted, affecting travel plans and the tourism industry. Passengers were advised to stay tuned to announcements from the airport and their respective airlines regarding the resumption of operations and flight schedules. The airport authorities worked diligently to implement corrective and interim makeshift measures to facilitate the airport's reopening as soon as possible.
The Norman Manley International Airport is a vital transportation hub for Jamaica, serving Kingston and located 19 km (12 mi) south of the city centre. It is the second busiest airport in the country, recording over 600,000 arriving passengers in 2020 and an increase to 830,500 in 2021. The airport has been undergoing a 20-year master plan for expansion and improvement, with various phases of construction and renovation completed and ongoing to enhance its capacity and services.
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Repairs to sections of the roof and jet bridges
The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Jamaica, sustained damage to sections of its roof and jet bridges due to Hurricane Beryl's fierce winds and rain. The airport operator, PAC Kingston Airport Limited, made the proactive decision to close the airport on Tuesday night ahead of the storm to ensure the safety of staff, passengers, and critical infrastructure.
Audley Deidrick, the Head of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), confirmed the damage was specifically located at the passenger pier where the jet bridges are attached. This resulted in debris being scattered on the airport apron, posing safety hazards and operational challenges.
The AAJ promptly assessed the situation and determined that corrective and interim makeshift measures were necessary before resuming airport operations. They ensured that the runway, terminal, and other facilities were in order and safe for use.
Repair work focused on addressing the damage to the roof and jet bridges at the passenger pier. This included clearing and removing any debris, assessing the structural integrity of the affected areas, and implementing temporary or permanent repairs as needed. The goal was to restore the airport's functionality and ensure the safety and comfort of passengers and staff.
The collaborative efforts of the AAJ, airport operators, and maintenance teams were instrumental in facilitating the airport's reopening. Their timely actions and effective measures allowed NMIA to resume operations, accommodating passengers and supporting the travel and tourism industry in Jamaica.
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Runway, terminal and other facilities are operational
The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Jamaica, is expected to reopen soon, with operations resuming as early as July 5, 2024, at 5:00 a.m. This resumption of activities follows a period of closure due to the impact of Hurricane Beryl, which caused damage to sections of the airport.
Despite the challenges posed by the hurricane, the runway, terminal, and other essential facilities at NMIA are reported to be fully operational. The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) has assured that these critical areas of the airport are in order and ready to support the resumption of regular operations. This affirmation comes after the requisite inspections cleared the runway and terminal for use, despite minor infrastructural damage in other sections of the airport.
The runway at NMIA is prepared to handle the arrival and departure of flights. All necessary safety measures and markings are in place to ensure the smooth movement of aircraft. The runway has been inspected and deemed safe for operations, meeting all the required standards.
The terminal building, which serves as the main gateway for passengers, is also fully functional. The check-in, departure, and arrival areas are ready to accommodate travellers. Necessary amenities, such as baggage handling, security checks, and passenger services, are expected to be available. Any minor issues or ongoing renovations are being managed to ensure the comfort and convenience of those using the facility.
Additionally, other support facilities and services at NMIA are operational. This includes the cargo and logistics centre, known as the NMIA Cargo and Logistics Centre, which plays a vital role in facilitating freight operations. The airport's IT systems, including public address, flight information, and security control, are also functional, ensuring efficient management of airport operations.
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The second busiest airport in Jamaica
The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Jamaica's capital city, is the second busiest airport in Jamaica. It was formerly known as Palisadoes Airport and is named after Norman Washington Manley, a Jamaican statesman and one of the country's seven national heroes.
The airport serves Kingston and its vicinities primarily, and it is the better option for travellers visiting the capital city, Port Antonio, or heading to the Blue Mountains. It is located on a picturesque peninsula just twenty minutes from Kingston's business centre. In 2015, the airport received 150,973 passengers and over 130 international flights per week. Major airlines that operate from the airport include American Airlines, British Airways, Caribbean Airlines, Air Canada Rouge, and Fly Jamaica Airways.
Norman Manley International Airport is one of three international airports in Jamaica, the others being Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios. Sangster International Airport is the busiest airport in Jamaica, capable of handling around 9 million passengers per year. It is named after Sir Donald Sangster, a former Prime Minister of Jamaica. Ian Fleming International Airport, named after the creator of James Bond, is Jamaica's newest international airport and is located in the Ocho Rios resort area.
In 2024, the Norman Manley International Airport temporarily closed due to damage caused by Hurricane Beryl. The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) reported damage to sections of the roof of the passenger pier, with major debris scattered on the airport apron. However, the airport was set to resume operations within a few days, as the runway, terminal, and other facilities remained operational.
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A 20-year masterplan for the airport's development
The Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, is set to undergo a significant transformation as part of a 20-year masterplan for the airport's development. The project aims to increase the airport's capacity to handle the growing air and passenger traffic, ensuring efficient and smooth operations. With an investment of approximately $130 million, the masterplan will be implemented in three phases: 1A, 1B, and 2.
Phase 1A, which began planning in 2004 and was completed in 2007, laid the foundation for the airport's development. This phase involved construction and renovation works, with a focus on bringing the airport to an IATA Category C standard. The European Investment Bank provided $40 million for this phase, while the Caribbean Development Bank approved a loan of $11 million.
Phase 1B will continue the momentum and further enhance the airport's infrastructure. Details about this phase are yet to be disclosed, but it will build upon the successes of Phase 1A to create a more modern and efficient airport.
Phase 2, the final stage, will complete the virtual reconstruction of the entire airport by 2022. This phase will integrate all the previous developments and ensure that the airport can cater to projected air and passenger traffic at an acceptable level of service through to the year 2023. With this phase, the airport will be well-equipped to handle the increasing demands of air travel, providing a seamless experience for passengers and improving the overall efficiency of operations.
The 20-year masterplan addresses the challenges posed by the airport's historical ''bolt-on'' approach to development, which has resulted in a disjointed and confusing layout. By the end of the masterplan's implementation, the Norman Manley International Airport will have a more coherent and user-friendly design, better able to accommodate future expansion and development. With this comprehensive transformation, the airport will be poised to serve the growing needs of Kingston and Jamaica, solidifying its position as a key aviation hub in the region.
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Frequently asked questions
The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Jamaica, is expected to reopen on Friday, July 5, at 5:00 a.m.
The airport was closed due to the passage of Hurricane Beryl, which caused damage to sections of the roof of the passenger pier and resulted in debris being scattered on the airport apron.
Yes, the Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay was also affected by the hurricane but did not sustain any major damage. It reopened on Thursday, July 4, at 6:00 p.m.
According to the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), the runway, terminal, and other facilities at the Norman Manley International Airport are in order and ready for the resumption of regular operations.
Yes, the airport has been undergoing a 20-year master plan with multiple phases of construction and renovation to increase its capacity and improve its facilities. The first phase was completed in 2007, and the final phase was expected to end in 2022.
