PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL) today (June 12) kicked off the infrastructure phase of Norman Manley International Airport’s (NMIA) comprehensive transformation programme, providing detailed timelines for over US$161 million in critical projects.  

Following the announcement of the ambitious five-year plan in October 2024, PACKAL says it now advancing into active implementation with safety enhancements and passenger facility upgrades that will further NMIA’s transformation into a premier gateway in the region.

The US$161 million transformation programme will be funded through substantial capital investment by PACKAL’s parent company, Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP).  GAP’s major financial commitment to this transformation demonstrates the company’s long-term confidence in Jamaica’s aviation market and economic growth potential.

The largest investment in NMIA’s transformation is the approximately US$72 million runway end safety area (RESA) implementation, which commenced in 2024.

This critical safety project will extend the runway by 300 meters, providing additional safety areas at both ends and creating safer spaces for aircraft operations and emergency protocols.  The project represents the single largest investment in the airport’s safety infrastructure and is expected to be completed by July 2027.

“This comprehensive implementation of our transformation plan demonstrates our unwavering commitment to safety and passenger experience,” said Sitara English-Byfield, CEO of PACKAL. 

“While we’ve achieved significant milestones in our first five years, the best is yet to come. The RESA project exemplifies our three-pillar approach of prioritising safety while building the world-class facilities that support Kingston’s, and by extension, Jamaica’s economic growth.”

PACKAL’s commitment to safety extends beyond infrastructure to encompass comprehensive security and operational protocols that meet international aviation standards. The airport’s investment in enhanced safety systems, from runway extensions to upgraded screening technology and improved emergency response capabilities, reflects a holistic approach to protecting passengers, staff, and aircraft operations.

These critical security measures and operational enhancements, while not always visible to travellers, form the foundation of reliable airport operations and underscore the company’s dedication to maintaining world-class safety protocols as traffic continues to grow. 

PACKAL highlights additional infrastructure projects

PACKAL further disclosed that it is undertaking apron slab rehabilitation jointly with the Airport Authority of Jamaica as part of additional critical safety infrastructural projects.

• Status: Commencing in August 2025 and will be done in eight phases over 18 months
• Safety focus: Enhanced structural integrity for aircraft parking and ground operations, stormwater drainage and ensuring safe aircraft positioning and movement

Taxiway rehabilitation

• Start date: August 2025, with an estimated four months duration.
• Safety enhancement: Improved aircraft movement areas with upgraded surfaces, improved lighting and safety compliance standards          

Solar energy expansion (Phase 2)

• Timeline: In progress with completion by December 2025
• Capacity: Five-megawatt microgrid solar system to support energy needs while reinforcing PACKAL’s sustainability commitment

Passenger-facing improvements in active development

Departure Lounge upgrade

• Status: Request for proposals (RFP) being finalised
• Scope: Enhanced commercial spaces and expanded seating areas with apron views
• Timeline: Contract award pending RFP completion

People movers upgrade

• Investment: Currently in the tender process.  
• Scope: Replacement of four elevators and expansion of escalator capacity
• Enhancement: Two escalators at each existing location for improved passenger flow

Active PACKAL projects

Restroom modernisation programme

• Current Status: Lower-level male restroom and entire project slated for completion in June 2025

Terminal enhancement projects

• Tiling programme: Check-in hall completed December 2024, upper-level pier work progressing 
• Baggage handling system: Upgrade completed with new scanning technology and conveyor systems
• Baggage claim carousels:  Four new units to be installed
• Infrastructure restoration: Western and West Check-in Hall elevators returning to service this month
• Customs Hall and Arrivals renovation: Modernisation of the Customs Hall, including improved lighting and upgrade the entire Arrivals area; currently in the tender process.  

While these investments coincide with NMIA’s positive traffic growth, reinforcing the airport’s supporting role in driving the economic development in Kingston and across Jamaica, PACKAL had announced the major investment programme in late 2024.  

The comprehensive upgrade programme addresses both visible passenger amenities and critical behind-the-scenes infrastructure essential for world-class airport operations and to maintain safety standards.