Thousands of Travelers Stranded Across the Caribbean as Sunrise, JetBlue, American, Seaborne, Delta, Caribbean and Other Airlines Report 139 Cancellations Amid Hurricane Melissa at Major Airports in Jamaica, Haiti, Barbados, US Virgin Islands, and Turks and Caicos

Published on October 27, 2025

Thousands of travelers are now stranded across the Caribbean as Sunrise, JetBlue, American Airlines, Seaborne, Delta Air Lines, Caribbean Airlines, and other airlines report a staggering 139 cancellations. These disruptions are happening at major airports in Jamaica, Haiti, Barbados, the US Virgin Islands, and Turks and Caicos as Hurricane Melissa makes its way through the region. The powerful storm has caused widespread travel chaos, leaving many passengers uncertain about their next steps. The cancellations are widespread, affecting flights across several carriers, and many passengers are facing long delays and limited options. As Melissa continues to intensify, airports are working to manage the situation, but the impact on travelers is still severe. Travelers are urged to stay updated with their airlines and prepare for potential further disruptions as the storm progresses.

Hurricane Melissa Strengthens to Category 4, Threatening Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba with Severe Weather

As of 5 p.m. Sunday, Hurricane Melissa is producing maximum sustained winds of 140 mph, classifying it as a Category 4 storm. The storm’s wind speed doubled in less than 24 hours and is currently located 110 miles south of Kingston, Jamaica, slowly moving west at 5 mph.

Melissa reached hurricane status at 2 p.m. Saturday, rapidly strengthening from a Category 1 to a Category 4 in less than a day. The storm is expected to continue intensifying and could reach Category 5 strength early this week.

Hurricane-force winds are set to begin affecting Jamaica by Sunday evening, with hurricane conditions expected to reach eastern Cuba between Tuesday and Wednesday. A hurricane warning has been issued for Jamaica, while a hurricane watch remains in effect for parts of Haiti and Cuba. Portions of Haiti are also under a tropical storm warning.

Heavy rainfall, with some areas receiving up to 40 inches, is expected across the Caribbean, especially in parts of Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Jamaica. This intense rainfall is likely to cause flash flooding and landslides, particularly in Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Airports and Cities Affected by Delays and Cancellations

Several airports across the Caribbean and surrounding regions are experiencing disruptions today. At Norman Manley International in Jamaica, there have been 27 cancellations, with airlines like JetBlue, Caribbean Airlines, American Airlines, and others reporting significant cancellations. Similarly, Sangster International in Jamaica has seen 65 cancellations, affecting a range of airlines including American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest, United, and others. Cap-Haitien International in Haiti has also been hit by disruptions, with 4 cancellations and 2 delays reported. Other affected airports in Haiti include Les Cayes with 10 cancellations and Port-au-Prince International with 6 cancellations.

Travelers at Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Christiansted Harbor-SSB in the US Virgin Islands have experienced 10 cancellations each, with Seaborne being the airline impacted. In Providenciales International in the Turks and Caicos, passengers are facing 4 cancellations and 9 delays. Lastly, Grantley Adams International in Barbados is reporting 6 cancellations and 10 delays, further adding to the travel disruptions in the region.

Total Delays and Cancellations Across the Region

Across all the affected airports, there have been a total of 139 cancellations and 31 delays today. These disruptions are widespread and have created a ripple effect across the region, leaving many travelers stranded or uncertain about their next steps. The majority of the cancellations are concentrated in Jamaica and Haiti, with Sangster International and Norman Manley International alone accounting for a significant portion of the total cancellations. The delays, while fewer in number, are still impacting a variety of airports, with Grantley Adams International and Providenciales International seeing the highest number of delays.

At Sangster International, 65 cancellations have been reported, affecting multiple airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest. Norman Manley International also reported 27 cancellations, all of which were airline-wide disruptions across carriers such as JetBlue and Caribbean Airlines. Charlotte Amalie Harbor and Christiansted Harbor-SSB both saw 10 cancellations each, all caused by Seaborne. These disruptions are among the most significant in the region and have left many passengers looking for alternative travel plans.

What Affected Passengers Can Do Now

If you are a traveler impacted by one of these disruptions, the first step is to check with your airline for the latest updates. Airlines are offering rebooking options for those affected by cancellations, and passengers may also be entitled to compensation or accommodations depending on the circumstances. It’s important to reach out to the airline as soon as possible to confirm new flight details or request alternative arrangements.

In addition to contacting your airline, it’s important to stay updated on information provided by the airports. Many airports are posting live updates on their social media channels or websites, including gate changes, new delays, or further cancellations. Staying informed will help you better manage your time and make necessary adjustments to your travel plans.

If your flight is canceled or delayed for an extended period, you may want to explore alternative routes or flights. Discussing rebooking options with your airline is essential, as they may offer to put you on other flights or assist with arranging travel through other carriers. In some cases, passengers may also need to explore alternative transportation options, such as ferries or other forms of travel, if flights are unavailable.

It is also important to remain calm and patient during these disruptions. Although waiting for updates can be frustrating, it’s crucial to remember that airlines and airport staff are doing their best to resolve the issues. Cooperation and understanding can help ease the process for everyone involved.

Lastly, if you have not already purchased travel insurance, this may be a good time to do so. Travel insurance can cover the additional costs of accommodation, meals, and travel that might arise due to cancellations or significant delays. Having coverage will offer peace of mind and ensure you’re not financially burdened by the disruptions.

In conclusion, with 139 cancellations and 31 delays reported across various airports in the Caribbean, passengers are advised to stay proactive, keep in touch with their airlines, and monitor airport updates. By staying informed and prepared, travelers can better navigate the ongoing disruptions and minimize the impact on their travel plans.

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]