Hurricane Melissa Disrupts Travel to Jamaica

Hurricane Melissa is a powerful Category 5 storm, currently affecting Jamaica and nearby Caribbean nations.

With sustained winds over 157 mph and forecasts of up to 1 metre of rain in some areas, the storm is causing severe weather and flooding. In preparation, Jamaican authorities opened hundreds of emergency shelters for residents and tourists, and some low-lying coastal areas (including parts of Kingston) were evacuated ahead of the storm.

It has become an impossibility to leave Jamaica, and two main airports (Norman Manley International and Sangster International) have been closed since Sunday 26th October. A majority of flights were pre-emptively cancelled both in and out of Jamaica for the early half of this week, and hundreds of holidaymakers are stranded until flights resume.

Cruise operators have also acted to keep travellers out of harm’s way. No major cruise sailings have been completely cancelled, but nearly all lines with Caribbean itineraries this week rerouted ships to avoid the path of Hurricane Melissa, even as Jamaica’s ports remain closed during the hurricane.

On the ground in Jamaica, the tourism sector has emergency plans in motion. Hotels and resorts have suspended operations, and in some cases guests were relocated to safer areas or designated shelters, away from flood zones. Tour operators and travel agents are working to assist their clients with alternative arrangements and information while Jamaica rides out the storm.

What about travel insurance?

For travellers with travel insurance, they may be able find financial relief amidst the disruption. This does depend, however, on when their travel insurance was purchased. Coverage only applies if this was before the storm was officially named. Hurricane Melissa became a named storm on Tuesday 21st of October 2025, so any policies purchased on or after that date will not cover hurricane-related claims for this storm.

Every travel insurance policy is different, with rules and restrictions that impact if or how you can make a claim. You could expect cover for:

1. Trip cancellation or interruption
   Refunds for pre-paid costs like flights, hotels, and tours if the hurricane forces you to cancel or shorten your trip.
2. Travel delay cover
   Reimbursement for meals and accommodation during delays, usually up to a daily limit (keep those receipts!).
3. Additional transport costs
   Covers the difference if you need to buy a new, more expensive flight home due to cancellations.
4. Loss of personal belongings
   If the storm results in lost or damaged baggage, your policy may step in.
5. Emergency medical
   If you're injured or become ill during the trip, including incidents related to the hurricane.

If you have travel insurance and your trip is impacted by Hurricane Melissa, contact your insurer’s 24-hour emergency assistance line for guidance. They can often help with arrangements and clarify what expenses you can claim. Be sure to document everything, as these documents will be important when filing an insurance claim.

Going forward, consider purchasing travel insurance well before any future trips during hurricane season - it can provide peace of mind and financial protection in scenarios like this.

BY HOLLY GARWOOD, 28TH OCTOBER 2025