British travellers hoping for sun-soaked Jamaican holidays are facing major disruption as Hurricane Melissa unleashes its fury across the Caribbean. The powerful storm has triggered widespread flight cancellations and significant delays, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at UK airports.
Storm Grounds Flights to Popular Destination
Major airlines operating between the United Kingdom and Jamaica have been forced to cancel multiple services as the hurricane continues to batter the island nation. Airport authorities in Jamaica have implemented emergency protocols, with many runways closed to all but essential aircraft.
Passengers scheduled to travel from London Heathrow, Gatwick, and Manchester airports have reported receiving last-minute cancellation notices, while those already in Jamaica face extended stays as return flights remain grounded.
Airline Response to Extreme Weather
Airlines including British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have activated their severe weather policies, offering affected passengers the option to rebook or receive full refunds. Travel experts advise contacting airlines directly rather than heading to airports without confirmation.
'We're monitoring the situation closely and customer safety remains our top priority,' stated a British Airways spokesperson. 'We recommend all passengers check their flight status before travelling to the airport.'
What Travellers Need to Know
- Contact your airline immediately for flight status updates
- Check travel insurance coverage for weather-related cancellations
- Allow significant extra time if your flight is still operating
- Consider flexible rebooking options where available
- Monitor Foreign Office travel advice for Jamaica
Meteorologists predict Hurricane Melissa will continue to affect the region for at least the next 48 hours, with flight disruptions expected to persist throughout the week. The storm has already caused significant damage to infrastructure across Jamaica, with emergency services working to restore essential services.
Tourism officials stress that while current conditions are challenging, recovery efforts are already underway to minimise long-term impact on the vital tourism sector.
