PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL) has released an updated cost of US$161 million for upgrades at Norman Manley International Airport, well above earlier estimates of US$129.8 million.

The new figure, disclosed as PACKAL transitions into the infrastructure phase of its five-year plan, reflects an expanded slate of projects that go beyond the initial airside safety works previously made public.

“It’s not just about expansion, it’s a complete rehabilitation,” CEO of PACKAL, Sitara English-Byfield told the Jamaica Observer recently. “We’re upgrading the experience [by] improving lighting, aesthetics, layouts and adding more of what passengers actually want.”

Recent reports cited a US$129.8-million estimate covering the runway extension, taxiway rehabilitation, and apron slab works. But the latest update includes new elements such as solar infrastructure, modernised departure and arrivals halls, commercial space upgrades, and technology improvements.

At the centre of the programme is the US$72-million Runway End Safety Area (RESA) project which will extend the runway by 300 metres and create safer zones for aircraft operations. That alone is the largest single investment in NMIA’s history and is scheduled to be completed by mid-2027.

“RESA is our biggest project,” English-Byfield said. “But we’re also upgrading the departure lounge to fit more shops, more food and beverage outlets, and we’re redesigning the Customs hall to feel modern and comfortable [and provide] better lighting and better flow.”

Alongside the physical works, PACKAL is pumping cash into energy savings and environmental upgrades. A second solar project — costing US$8 million — is now underway and will bring total generation capacity to eight megawatts, along with battery storage. With planned completion by December the airport expects to further reduce its dependence on light and power company Jamaica Public Service. Over time, it hopes to slash its energy bill by up to 80 per cent.

“We’ve already cut out JPS usage by 25 per cent since the first solar phase went live in 2022. With this new system we will see even more savings,” she said.

Other upgrades — some less visible to travellers — include a revamped baggage handling system, new check-in and screening equipment, restroom modernisation, and the replacement of aging elevators and escalators.

“All of this is being done while the airport remains open, which is no small task. Construction at an airport must be different…we don’t want noise or dust, and the alternate routes have to be clear — that’s a big part of our planning with contractors,” English-Byfield told Sunday Finance. Some of the contract awards are pending request for proposal (RFP) completion.

The capital project will be financed through shareholder loans from Mexican parent company Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), which is also a shareholder in Montego Bay-based airport Sangster International. GAP holds a 74.5 per cent stake in MBJ Airports Ltd through its subsidiary, Desarrollo de Concesiones Aeroportuarias, which operates SIA. Additionally, GAP operates NMIA under a concession agreement with the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ).

NMIA currently serves around 1.7 million passengers annually. English-Byfield has set her sights on crossing the two-million mark, though she’s cautious not to tie growth directly to infrastructure spending alone.

“I don’t think any airport has a competitive advantage,” she said. “It depends on location, traffic types, and how you market the destination. Kingston is unique. We’re doing our part by creating packages, talking to airlines, showing why Kingston makes sense.”

With a doubling of cargo volumes in recent years — driven by online shopping and courier services — the airport is also becoming an increasingly important logistics hub.

“We’ve seen a 100 per cent increase in cargo. People are shopping online and want their packages in three to five days. That’s what’s driving the growth,” she said.

ENGLISH-BYFIELD…we’re upgrading the experience[by] improving lighting, aesthetics, layouts and adding more of what passengers actually want.

A rendering of the reimagined arrivals forecourt at NMIA, designed to offer shaded walkways, green spaces, and a more comfortable experience for passengers transitioning from flight to ground transport.

A modernised view of NMIA’s departure lounge, featuring expanded seating, updated lighting, and improved commercial space as part of PACKAL’s US$161-million redevelopment plan.

This aerial rendering of Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) shows the planned extension for the Runway End Safety Area (RESA), the largest single investment in the airport’s transformation programme, valued at US$72 million.