Thousands Grounded Across Caribbean as Hurricane Melissa Forces 167 Flight Cancellations, Affecting Airlines Including JetBlue, Copa, Southwest, Air Canada, Seaborne in Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, U.S. Virgin Islands and More

Published on October 28, 2025

Thousands of travelers have been grounded across the Caribbean as Hurricane Melissa continues to disrupt air travel. The powerful storm has caused 167 flight cancellations, stranding passengers and delaying travel plans. Airlines, including JetBlue, Copa, Southwest, Air Canada, and Seaborne, along with regional carriers like Caribbean Airlines, have been heavily impacted. The storm has affected major airports in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Barbados, Haiti, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With flights grounded, passengers are facing uncertainty as the hurricane moves through the region. Airports have seen widespread disruption, leaving many travelers scrambling to rebook flights or find alternative routes.

As conditions improve, airlines are working to resume operations, but it’s still unclear how soon flights will return to normal. Hurricane Melissa’s impact on Caribbean air travel highlights the vulnerability of the region’s infrastructure during extreme weather events.

Affected Airports, Cities, and Countries

Hurricane Melissa has impacted several airports and harbors across the Caribbean, including some of the region’s busiest hubs. Among the most affected are:

• Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica
• Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica
• Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau, Bahamas
• Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados
• Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
• Providenciales International Airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands
• Les Cayes Airport in Haiti
• Port-au-Prince International Airport in Haiti
• Cap-Haïtien International Airport in Haiti
• Charlotte Amalie Harbor in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
• Christiansted Harbor-Ssb in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands

These locations have all been severely affected by the storm, with significant flight cancellations, delays, and disruptions to ferry services.

Total Delays and Cancellations

Hurricane Melissa has led to a total of 167 cancellations and 96 delays across the affected airports and harbors in the Caribbean. These numbers reflect the massive impact of the storm on travel in the region. The disruptions include both domestic and international flights, as well as ferry services in key locations.

At Sangster International Airport in Jamaica, for example, 72 flights were canceled, and no delays were reported. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston saw 35 cancellations and 28 delays, causing significant travel headaches for passengers trying to get in or out of Jamaica. Similarly, Lynden Pindling International Airport in Nassau reported 4 cancellations and 28 delays, while Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados saw 7 cancellations and 7 delays.

Other airports, including Piarco International Airport in Trinidad, Providenciales International Airport in the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Les Cayes in Haiti, also reported multiple flight cancellations and delays. Port-au-Prince International Airport and Cap-Haïtien International Airport in Haiti saw a combined total of 16 cancellations, with several airlines grounding flights. Additionally, both Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Christiansted Harbor-Ssb in the U.S. Virgin Islands experienced cancellations and delays for ferry services.

Affected Airlines

Several airlines are facing disruptions due to the storm’s impact. American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and Caribbean Airlines are among those experiencing the most cancellations. For instance, at Sangster International Airport, these airlines reported 100% cancellations for their flights to and from Jamaica. Similar disruptions were seen at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, where airlines such as JetBlue, Delta, and Southwest Airlines were grounded.

Other airlines, including United Airlines, WestJet, Spirit Airlines, Air Canada, Copa Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic, also experienced cancellations and delays across the affected airports, including Nassau, Providenciales, and Port-au-Prince.

At Seaborne Airlines, which operates seaplane services between St. Croix and St. Thomas, the storm led to 10 cancellations and 2 delays at Christiansted Harbor-Ssb in St. Croix. Similarly, Charlotte Amalie Harbor in St. Thomas experienced 10 cancellations for ferry services operated by Seaborne Airlines.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

Travelers who are affected by these disruptions should take several steps to ensure they are up to date with the latest information regarding their flights or ferry services. First and foremost, it is important to stay informed. Monitor updates from the airline or ferry company for real-time changes in flight or service status. Most airlines and ferry operators have dedicated mobile apps or websites where passengers can check for the latest information.

Contact your airline or ferry operator for assistance in rebooking or to inquire about cancellation policies. Many airlines and ferry services are offering flexibility, allowing passengers to change their tickets for later travel dates without penalty, depending on availability. If your flight or ferry service is canceled, you may also be entitled to a full refund or credit toward future travel. Be sure to ask about these options when you contact the airline or operator.

If you are already at the airport or harbor, be prepared for extended wait times as the airline or ferry service works through rebooking and accommodating affected passengers. Due to the large number of disruptions, passenger volumes may be higher than usual, leading to longer wait times.

If you are unable to travel as originally planned, check for alternative transportation options. Depending on the location, there may be other routes available, either by air or sea, that can take you to your destination. For instance, private charters or alternative ferry services might be available.

Finally, always keep an eye on weather updates. Since Hurricane Melissa is still active, its effects may continue to impact travel in the region. Make sure you are aware of the storm’s progress and follow any local advisories or warnings issued by authorities.

Conclusion

The impact of Hurricane Melissa on the Caribbean’s travel infrastructure has caused significant disruption to both air and sea travel. With 167 cancellations and 96 delays reported at multiple airports and harbors across the region, travelers are facing a challenging situation. However, with flexible rebooking policies, regular updates from airlines and ferry operators, and a focus on safety, passengers can manage through the disruption. As conditions improve, it is expected that flights and services will resume, but passengers are urged to stay informed and be prepared for possible delays as the recovery process unfolds.

Source: FlightAware

Disclaimer: The information provided is sourced from FlightAware and airport websites. We do not guarantee its accuracy and have no intention to harm or malign any airlines. If you notice any discrepancies, please contact us at [email protected]