Durrant Pate/ Contributor

Jamaica’s tourism has been dealt another severe blow by major European airlines Tui Airways and Virgin Atlantic, extending their suspension of flights to Jamaica in the wake of the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

Tui has cancelled package holidays and flights up until November 16, while Virgin Atlantic has paused services to the island until late November. In a statement, Virgin reports, “While recovery efforts continue and infrastructure is restored, we have made the decision to reduce our flying schedule to Montego Bay, pausing flights after Monday, November 10, until late November, when we hope to resume limited services.

“We remain fully committed to Jamaica and our long-standing partnership with the island. A Tui UK & Ireland statement read: “Due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa to local infrastructure, including hotels and roads, we have made the decision to cancel package holidays and flights up to, and including, November 16, 2025…At this time, we can’t guarantee the holiday experience you deserve or expect under the conditions in Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.”

According to Tui, “the situation remains unclear beyond November 16 and we are continuing to work closely with hotel partners and the Jamaican tourist board to establish if we can operate holidays with a full experience later in the month…We are reviewing this on a rolling basis and are currently reaching out to customers due to travel up to November 23, 2025, to discuss available options.

“Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica who are facing the aftermath of the worst storm in their history. During this incredibly difficult time, our thoughts remain with them, and their loved ones. Tui has helped 1,000 holidaymakers return to the UK from Montego Bay on four initial relief flights and deployed two others last Thursday and on Monday of this week.

UK updated travel advisory for Jamaica

Meanwhile, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) updated its travel advice for Jamaica to say that future flights may not be direct and could transit via other countries. In the meantime, all of Jamaica’s airports have reopened, with Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay operating a limited number of commercial flights while repairs are made to the terminal, according to the FCDO.

“Check for messaging from your airline or travel provider as some operators have paused or cancelled flights and package holidays to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa,” the advisory added.

Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage to roads and infrastructure and disruption to electricity and other utility services, including the internet. “There are also shortages of food and water, and access to currency. Access to healthcare in worst-affected areas is limited,” the FCDO noted in the updated advisory issued Tuesday.

According to the advisory, “All western parishes have suffered significant damage. The worst-affected parishes are currently Westmoreland, St Elizabeth, St James, Hanover and Manchester. Exercise caution if you are travelling within Jamaica.”

Update on Sandals resorts in Jamaica

Sandals Resorts International plans to begin accepting guests back to Jamaica on December 6 at its resorts in Ocho Rios and Negril, following a comprehensive post-storm assessment of each of the company’s eight resorts across the country following Hurricane Melissa. Sandals Dunn’s River, Sandals Royal Plantation, Sandals Ocho Rios, Sandals Negril, and Beaches Negril will re-open after the clearing of debris and completion of landscaping and repair work at each location.

The all-inclusive resort company’s three other remaining properties in Jamaica – Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast – will not reopen until May 30, 2026, due to the need for “a more extended timeline for improvements”.