ST JAMES, Jamaica — The Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay, St James has sought to assure the public that it remains safe for operations despite public concern regarding a video, recently circulated, showing a damaged section of the airport’s runway.

On Sunday, the airport restricted aircraft activities to conduct what it said was repairs on a section of the runway in the vicinity of Taxiway Delta.

READ: Aircraft restrictions at Sangster International Airport amid repairs to runway

The following day, though the airport resumed full operations, a video circulated on social media showing a damaged section of the runway, ultimately raising concerns from the public.

Now, the airport is seeking to assure the public that it has always been committed to maintaining high standards of security and safety in its operations which includes stringent maintenance and safety protocols, especially as it relates to the runway.

In a statement on Tuesday, it noted that in addition to preventative and emergency maintenance required from time to time, the following major work has been carried out on the runway over the years:

• Runway rehabilitation work completed in 2013;
• In 2018, $26 million was invested to resurface the taxiways, shoulder and ramps; and
• Between 2021 and 2023, US $70 million was expended on the Runway Extension and Associated Works project. This work has significantly advanced the aviation capabilities and safety standards at SIA, Jamaica’s busiest airport.

According to the operators, MBJ Airports Limited, there are currently no operational issues at SIA impacting the safety of the runway or any other major infrastructure.

It said that as per standard operating procedures, regular assessment is carried out on all components on schedule but noted that unforeseen issues may occur.

“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our passengers and staff remains our utmost priority. In situations requiring assessment, MBJ may briefly suspend activities as a precautionary measure and implement all necessary safeguards to facilitate a prompt and safe resumption of services, as demonstrated during the incident on Sunday, August 25, 2024,” MBJ Airports Limited said.

It stressed that the runway at SIA is compliant with not only the local authorities, Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA), but also meets the highest international standards set forth by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).