After Hurricane Melissa Pummeled Jamaica, Aviation Aid Readies to Assist

After Melissa Pummeled Jamaica, Aviation Aid Readies

Airports on the ravaged island remain closed in the storm's wake

satellite photo of Hurricane Melissa — Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm and one of the most powerful on record, is wreaking havoc in the Caribbean. © NOAA

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

October 29, 2025

Jamaica is slowly shaking off the effects of Hurricane Melissa, which slammed ashore on the Caribbean island yesterday as a Category 5 storm, packing peak winds of 185 mph and making it one of the strongest on record to make landfall. More than half a million of Jamaica’s residents are without power and some 70% of the population is without communications, with residents asked to shelter in place as the damage to roads is being assessed and efforts are made to reach stranded communities.

Sangster International Airport (MKJS) in Montego Bay remains closed today as officials evaluate the damage to its infrastructure. Signature Aviation, which operates an FBO there, told AIN, “Our Montego Bay facility has implemented its hurricane preparedness plan and secured the site in advance of the storm. We’re continuing to monitor the situation closely and will resume operations once it’s safe to do so.”

The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.