KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Daryl Vaz, has expressed satisfaction with the progress of development work being done at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA).

“You can see the transformation that’s taking place. It’s still a work in progress, but a lot of work has been done,” he said, during a tour of the facility on Wednesday.

He highlighted the improvement of the air conditioning system, noting that “what is very clear is that the issue with the air conditioning is now fully resolved based on the coolers that were replaced. That was really one of the biggest misery index factors.”

The minister also commented on the overall aesthetic enhancements.

“You can see the transformation in terms of the re-tiling and the whole look of the airport. It now looks like any other airport that you go to anywhere in the world,” he stated.

He indicated that the procurement process for other projects such as rehabilitation of the apron and extension of the runway is far advanced.

“This is going to have a huge impact in terms of being able to attract more flights, bigger planes, etcetera,” he noted.

The minister said that the feedback form stakeholders, including passengers, is positive.

“I’m not getting any level of dissatisfaction and discontent. So, work in progress but I’m satisfied,” he emphasised.

PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), the operator of NMIA, is undertaking a five-year programme aimed at transforming the airport into a world-class facility.

The development plan includes rehabilitating the apron and taxiways and undertaking a 300-metre runway extension.

Improvements will also be made to passenger facilities, including upgrades to the customs and arrivals areas and expanding the departure lounge.

Since 2019, PACKAL has invested in several projects such as rehabilitation of Runway 12-30, the installation of a solar farm, and various terminal upgrades.

–              JIS

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