KINGSTON, Jamaica — Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced that the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston is expected to resume operations for emergency relief flights as early as Thursday. This decision follows consultations with PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), the airport’s operator, and the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA). Minister Vaz emphasized that Hurricane Melissa’s impact on the airport has been minimal, with the storm projected to leave Jamaica by Tuesday evening. PACKAL and JCAA will conduct inspections, clean-up efforts, and restore decommissioned equipment on Wednesday to ensure the airport’s readiness. The update was provided during a press conference at the National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) in Kingston. Meanwhile, the status of Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay remains uncertain due to potential severe damage from the hurricane. As part of contingency planning, the Ian Fleming International Airport in St. Mary is being considered as an alternative for relief operations, given its accessibility for certain aircraft types and proximity to Montego Bay.