Norman Manley Airport runway closes for RESA and electrical upgrades

Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston, Jamaica, operated by PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), is set to undergo a temporary runway closure as part of a significant phase in its ongoing Runway End Safety Area (RESA) Implementation Project. This essential work aims to enhance the airport's safety infrastructure and operational efficiency, aligning with international aviation standards.

The runway closure is scheduled from 7:00 pm on Thursday, November 27, 2025, until 4:00 am on Friday, November 28, 2025. During this period, crews will facilitate the relocation of the Runway 12 threshold and install switchgear redundancy. PACKAL has confirmed that these upgrade works have been communicated to the airport community and relevant stakeholders through official aeronautical notices, ensuring minimal disruption. No passenger flights are scheduled during this maintenance window, meaning travel is not expected to be affected.

This temporary closure is integral to PACKAL’s broader $11.5 billion (US$72 million) multi-year project. The comprehensive initiative is designed to extend the runway by 300 meters and fully implement RESA, in strict accordance with Jamaica's Civil Aviation Act (2012) and global aviation safety regulations. The project represents a substantial investment in NMIA's long-term operational safety and compliance.

Upon its completion, anticipated by July 2027, the RESA works will provide expanded safety areas at both ends of the runway. This enhancement is crucial for aircraft operations and emergency procedures, significantly bolstering the airport's ability to handle potential incidents. PACKAL highlights this initiative as the single largest investment in NMIA’s safety infrastructure, underscoring its commitment to maintaining high safety standards for all commercial aviation activities.