UPDATE|Sangster International Airport in MoBay to close midday Sunday - AAJ

Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James is to close at midday Sunday as Hurricane Melissa slowly approaches Jamaica, bringing the threat of heavy rainfall, flooding, and strong winds.

The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) gave the update on Saturday afternoon.

It said in coordination with the Meteorological Service of Jamaica and airport operators, Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston will close at 9 p.m. Saturday, one hour later than earlier announced.

The Ian Fleming International Airport in St Mary will shut down at 7 p.m. this evening, the same time for all domestic aerodromes, the AAj said.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz, speaking at a special briefing at Jamaica House on earlier Saturday, said the final scheduled flight at Norman Manley is expected to arrive at 8 p.m.. He said an update on Sangster would follow a 2 p.m. meeting.

“All flights will be accommodated today at both Norman Manley and Sangster International Airport. So, my recommendation for those of you who want to get back to Jamaica or to get out of Jamaica is to try and change your arrangements to get out today,” Vaz advised.

He also said the tourism ministry and the airport operators were in talks with airlines to accommodate departing tourists.

Meteorologists have warned that the slow-moving storm could dump significant rainfall across the island, with potential for flash flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

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