KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s aviation sector has shown strong resilience in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, with the country recording 1,138 flights between October 29 and November 10, according to Transport Minister Daryl Vaz.

Speaking Tuesday at Jamaica House during a post-disaster media briefing, Minister Vaz said the numbers highlight the continued confidence in Jamaica’s airspace even amid national recovery efforts.

“1,138 flights in the height of the first two weeks of a Category 5 hurricane. Thanks to everybody who’s worked with me to make this happen. The airports and all the handlers and everybody else, Jamaica Civil Aviation authority, Airport authority. It’s a feat that must be commended,” he said.

Of the total flights received, 499 were commercial passenger flights, 369 cargo flights, and 270 private flights.

The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) handled the bulk of the activity with 578 flights, while Sangster International Airport (SIA) in Montego Bay recorded 369 flights over the same period.

Vaz noted that the mix of arrivals demonstrates both the sustained movement of humanitarian and the increased flow of relief supplies and essential goods following the hurricane’s impact.

In addition, the SIA is set to receive electricity on Tuesday.

“That is huge because it will allow them to go into full operations in the shortest possible time,” he said.

The minister also shared that the sea freight cycle has begun with the first shipments arriving last weekend making relief efforts now possible via air and sea.

He says updates on this will be provided when made available.