Jamaica’s two major international airports, operated by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), reported an estimated $60.64 million in revenue during the third quarter of 2025. This financial performance was driven by the processing of 1.77 million passengers across both facilities. Sangster International Airport (SIA), managed by MBJ Airports Limited, saw a 9% revenue increase to $41.46 million, largely attributed to higher aeronautical service fees, including passenger, landing, and bridge fees, which rose 9% to $26.25 million. Passenger traffic at SIA grew by 7.7% to 1.24 million, recovering from the impact of Hurricane Beryl in the previous period, though it remained below the 1.31 million passengers recorded in Q3 2024. Operating expenses for both airports surged by 22% ($10.24 million) due to increased concession fees, improvement costs, and depreciation charges. Despite this, SIA’s operating profit improved by 1.7% to $13.17 million, with EBITDA rising 2.5% to $17.64 million. GAP’s quarterly report highlighted a 200-basis-point decline in the operating income margin for Jamaican airports to 43.3%, or 52.5% excluding concession asset improvement costs. Operating profit increased by $23.04 million (11.5%) compared to Q3 2024, while net profit rose by $38.25 million (36%). However, comprehensive income fell by $8.73 million (6.2%) due to foreign currency translation losses. Over the first nine months of 2025, Jamaican airports generated $178.14 million in revenue, with MBJ Airports reporting a 14.6% increase to $126.25 million. Operating profit surged by $118.52 billion (19.7%) despite a 17.9% rise in expenses. GAP plans $203.30 million in investments to enhance both airports between 2026 and 2030, supported by newly approved aeronautical rate increases. SIA’s rates will rise from $17.38 in 2026 to $19.07 in 2030, while Kingston’s rates will increase from $38.18 to $60.10. GAP remains optimistic about Jamaica’s long-term tourism growth, citing planned hotel expansions and increased tourist arrivals.
标签： Jamaica
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Jamaica Customs secures court resolution supporting modernisation and efficiency in trade
KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) has achieved a significant legal milestone with the resolution of court proceedings before Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, affirming the ongoing implementation of the Customs Contactless Clearance Process (CCCP). The previously imposed injunction against the agency has been fully lifted, enabling the JCA to proceed with its modernization agenda.
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Meta to cut 600 jobs in artificial intelligence — reports
Meta, the parent company of Facebook, has announced the elimination of 600 positions within its artificial intelligence (AI) division, as reported by major U.S. media outlets on Wednesday. This strategic move is part of the company’s broader effort to enhance operational efficiency following a period of rapid expansion and aggressive hiring. Notably, the job cuts will not impact the TBD Lab, a specialized unit established by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, which has been instrumental in recruiting top-tier researchers from competitors such as OpenAI and Apple through lucrative compensation packages. Instead, the layoffs will primarily affect teams dedicated to AI product development and infrastructure, with the goal of optimizing resources while maintaining progress on Meta’s most ambitious projects. According to a Wall Street Journal report, many of the displaced employees may be reassigned to other roles within the company. The New York Times characterized the layoffs as a response to ‘organizational bloat’ resulting from the company’s intensive hiring spree to bolster its AI initiatives. Both publications referenced a memo from Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang, who emphasized that the reduction in workforce would lead to ‘fewer conversations required to make decisions,’ thereby streamlining operations. Meta has yet to comment on the matter in response to inquiries from AFP.
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Eye on Melissa
The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a tropical storm watch as Tropical Storm Melissa advances slowly across the Caribbean Sea, south of Hispaniola. In its latest bulletin released at 5:00 pm on Tuesday, the Met Service warned that tropical storm conditions could potentially impact Jamaica within the next 48 hours. The government has already activated emergency response mechanisms in anticipation of the storm’s arrival. Forecasters predict that Melissa could bring moderate to heavy rainfall and strong, gusty winds, particularly affecting the north-eastern and southern parishes on Thursday and Friday. The storm, currently moving westward at approximately 24 km/h (15 mph), is expected to slow down and gradually shift its trajectory towards the north-west and then north in the coming days. Weather experts also cautioned that rainfall could extend into the weekend, heightening concerns about potential flooding and other storm-related hazards. For more detailed weather updates, readers are directed to Pages 4&5.
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Uplift mourns death of sister
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Recording artist Uplift is grappling with profound grief following the unexpected death of his sister, Judy Austin, last month. Judy, who had been a pillar of support and inspiration in his musical career, passed away after falling ill at work. Her sudden demise has left Uplift and his family in shock, as she was believed to be in excellent health.
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Maduro says Venezuela has 5,000 Russian anti-aircraft missiles to counter US
CARACAS, Venezuela — In a bold move to counter escalating tensions with the United States, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro announced on Wednesday that the nation has acquired 5,000 Russian-made Igla-S man-portable surface-to-air missiles. These short-range missiles, designed to target low-flying aircraft, have been strategically positioned across key air defense locations to ensure national security and peace, Maduro stated during a televised ceremony with senior military officials.
The announcement comes in response to the US military’s recent deployment of stealth warplanes and Navy ships in the Caribbean, which Washington claims are part of counter-narcotics operations. However, Venezuela views these actions as a prelude to a potential operation aimed at ousting Maduro, whom the US accuses of leading a drug cartel. The US has already destroyed at least eight vessels allegedly smuggling drugs from Venezuela to the United States.
The Igla-S missiles have been integrated into military exercises ordered by Maduro, reflecting Venezuela’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. This development has further inflamed regional tensions, with Latin American leaders expressing outrage over the US military presence. The Pentagon has labeled Latin American drug cartels as terrorist groups and described suspected smugglers as ‘unlawful combatants,’ justifying its aggressive stance.
Meanwhile, diplomatic relations between Colombia and the US have soured, with Colombia recalling its ambassador to Washington following a heated exchange between Colombian President Gustavo Petro and US President Donald Trump. Trump defended the US deployment, claiming it has significantly reduced drug trafficking by sea and is prepared to extend operations to land-based traffickers.
Experts warn that the US’s summary killings of suspected traffickers, even if confirmed, may violate international law. As tensions continue to rise, the region braces for further geopolitical instability.
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Grand show marks Sizzla’s 30-year milestone
In a night brimming with nostalgia and reverence, thousands gathered at Sabina Park to honor Sizzla’s three-decade-long musical journey. The ‘Rise to the Occasion’ tribute show, held on Sunday, was a masterclass in celebration, showcasing the enduring impact of one of Jamaica’s most iconic entertainers. The event, meticulously organized and flawlessly executed, saw Sizzla take the stage around 10:00 pm, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.
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Principle says Grammys should do more for Jamaican music
KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Grammy Awards’ best reggae album category has long been a topic of heated debate on social media, with fans and artists alike voicing their opinions on nominations and winners. Recording artist Principle has now joined the conversation, advocating for the inclusion of additional categories that specifically highlight Jamaican music.
In an interview with Observer Online, Principle emphasized the need for fairness and recognition in the nomination process. ‘There’s always controversy about who should win or shouldn’t have won. I hope that one day, principle will prevail, and the most deserving projects will be acknowledged,’ he stated.
Principle also proposed expanding the reggae music categories to include awards such as ‘Best New Reggae Artiste’ and a separate ‘Best Dancehall Album’ category. ‘Some people have been calling for a distinction between dancehall and reggae. It’s time to recognize the diversity within our music,’ he added.
The artist, whose real name is Germaine Bernard, recently released his latest single, ‘Jamaica Nice,’ on October 13. Produced by Bertram Burgher of King Shiloh Sound and written by Nicholas Sylvester, the song aims to showcase Jamaica’s cultural richness to the world. ‘We’re working hard to promote this track, and a music video is currently in production,’ Principle shared.
Earlier this year, Principle gained significant attention with his song ‘Visa,’ which he considers his breakthrough. ‘That song opened many doors for me, including media interviews and performance opportunities,’ he reflected. Originally known as Chucky Wonder, Principle hails from Constitution Hill in Red Hills and continues to make strides in the reggae and dancehall scenes.
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MOCA agent testifies in Ruel Reid and co trial
The fraud trial involving former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Reid, ex-Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) President Fritz Pinnock, and three co-accused took a significant turn on Tuesday as detailed testimony regarding invoices worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was presented in court. The invoices, addressed to CMU, bore the name of Devon McQueen, Reid’s former driver, and were marked ‘For the provision of student needs.’ The amounts ranged from $30,000 to $330,000, dated between January and April 2018. The prosecution called two additional witnesses: a representative from the Office of the Registrar General and a chief special agent from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). The MOCA agent testified about her interactions with McQueen, who has since passed away, and her role in collecting his statement. The defense objected to her testimony, arguing it was based on hearsay and inadmissible evidence. Presiding Judge Sanchia Burrell overruled the objection, allowing the testimony to proceed. The trial, which alleges a $25 million fraud scheme involving government funds from the Ministry of Education and CMU between 2016 and 2019, will resume on Wednesday. Defense attorney Hugh Wildman is expected to present cases supporting his objection, with the prosecution responding before the judge makes a final ruling.
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Courts islandwide close early due to Tropical Storm Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaican courts shut down early at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, October 22. The Court Administration Division (CAD) announced the decision in a public statement, emphasizing the need for staff to prepare both personally and professionally for the impending weather event. The CAD also confirmed that all court matters scheduled for Thursday, October 23, would be postponed and rescheduled, with parties notified accordingly. Similarly, cases set for Friday, October 24, will be reassigned to new dates, and stakeholders will be informed promptly. The CAD plans to issue an update at 7:00 pm on Wednesday to provide further guidance as the situation develops.