The Caribbean is reeling from the impact of Hurricane Melissa, where the world’s strongest storm so far in 2025 has killed at least 49 people (according to official figures at the time of writing), devastated infrastructure, closed airports, and left tourists stranded.
Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport, Ian Fleming International, and Norman Manley International Airport were temporarily closed to all departing and arriving flights, as were Cuba’s Antonio Maceo International Airport and Frank Pais International Airport, with airspace on lockdown. The Cuban Ministry of Transportation (MITRANS) also suspended train, bus, and flight services in the eastern region, from where around 750,000 people were evacuated. Jamaica’s tourism minister, Edmund Bartlett, has said all 25,000 international tourists in the territory at the time of the storm have been confirmed safe.
UPDATE: SIA plans to resume LIMITED commercial flights Sat, Nov 1 at 7:00 a.m.
— Sangster International Airport (@MBJAIRPORT) October 31, 2025
Please:
* Confirm your flight with your airline BEFORE heading to the airport
* Only come if you have a confirmed flight
* Hoteliers: Do not transport guests without confirmed flights pic.twitter.com/K1lQLg08oG
While airports have since reopened to selected commercial flights and repatriation operations, such as those put in place by the British government for British citizens on Jamaica and Windrush generation British nationals with leave to remain in the UK, access remains difficult due to flooding and storm damage, and already weak power infrastructure has suffered. Officials advise those planning travel to airports to make journeys during daylight hours only and to exercise caution amid potential food, water, and power shortages. The US alert is at level 3: Reconsider Travel. With unsettled weather continuing, Jamaica has issued a list of storm shelters.
WATCH: Drone footage captures the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa along Jamaica’s coastline. pic.twitter.com/y0NBquLBLJ
— Fox News (@FoxNews) November 1, 2025
The United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and the US State Department have issued new travel advisories for the region, urging citizens on the ground to register their presence to receive updates. The US Embassy in Jamaica says US citizens should register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) for updates from the U.S. Embassy in Kingston, as well as maintain contact with their resort management to address immediate needs.
The first flight chartered for British nationals, who are unable to leave Jamaica on commercial routes, is due to depart Norman Manley International Airport @NMIA_Airport on Saturday evening, 1 November.
— Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (@FCDOGovUK) October 31, 2025
If you are interested and haven’t done so already, please REGISTER YOUR… pic.twitter.com/moh0KLbTNe
Hotel chains such as Hyatt and Sandals are currently conducting assessments “to determine the extent of the physical damage to all properties.” Hyatt Inclusive Collection has gone as far as suspending operations and will not be accepting new reservations until 1 February 2025.
Holiday and tour operators such as TUI and Virgin have cancelled trips: TUI until 9 November; and Virgin Holidays until 4 November, with extra flexibility built in for customers until 10 November. Would-be travellers are advised to confirm the status of their flights, other transport options, and accommodation providers before setting out for any journey in the region.
Our thoughts are with those currently in Jamaica and our teams are working hard to assess the full impact of Hurricane Melissa.
— tuiuk (@TUIUK) October 29, 2025
For the latest TUI updates, please visit our Travel Alerts page: https://t.co/QRkrbcbNRG
Cruise line Carnival has revised its itineraries, cancelling port calls to Grand Turk, Amber Cove, Montego Bay, Grand Cayman, Half Moon Cay, and Princess Cays. The operator is continuing to monitor the weather situation, saying, “Safety is our priority, and we continue to track conditions carefully, factoring in guidance from the National Hurricane Center, U.S. Coast Guard, and local port authorities to provide timely updates. Guests on upcoming sailings are encouraged to opt in for sailing alerts via Cruise Manager on Carnival.com and monitor their emails for potential updates from Carnival.” Similarly, MSC, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean have all rerouted cruises to the west of the region.
The Miami HEAT, in partnership with the Micky & Madeleine Arison Family Foundation and @CarnivalCruise has made a $1,000,000 donation to @DirectRelief to assist with expected recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) October 28, 2025
To make a donation visit https://t.co/LU9wIc0CCC pic.twitter.com/SH8dak0AHk
Holidaymakers whose trip or flight has been cancelled by the provider should be able to claim a refund, and those with travel insurance purchased in advance of the storm may be eligible for some compensation, but with governments stopping short of “Do Not Travel” alerts, this is not guaranteed.
