Work under way to upgrade arrivals, retail spaces at NMIA

PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL) has begun two major renovation projects at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) as part of the next phase of the operator’s $25.8-billion (US$161-million) transformation programme first unveiled in 2024.

A $1.2-billion overhaul of the customs and arrivals hall – expected to take roughly 24 months – will introduce improved lighting, upgraded flooring, expanded seating, enhanced aesthetics, a covered kerbside pickup zone, and a revamped bar and restaurant.

Meanwhile, $320-million upgrade to the link corridor aims to modernise both arrivals and departures, while improving overall passenger flow. The 16-month project is described by the operator as one that will “transform the shopping experience with four new retail locations, including two food and beverage outlets, one duty-free shop, and one retail store, alongside improvements to lighting, flooring, and seating areas”.

PACKAL’s transformation programme spans five years. With operational infrastructure upgrades progressing, the operator is now accelerating its passenger-facing projects, including works in the departures area, scheduled to begin later this month.

“These projects will transform the first and last impression passengers have at our gateway. As we modernise the passenger experience throughout the airport, we are curating a passenger experience that starts as soon as you land and continues through to your departure,” said Sitara English-Byfield, chief executive officer of PACKAL.

The works follow several passenger-centred upgrades, including restroom modernisation, retiling of the check-in hall, and improvements to the baggage-handling system. These enhancements complement ongoing safety-related projects, such as the $11.5-billion Runway End Safety Area implementation, apron-slab rehabilitation, and taxiway improvements, PACKAL said.

“We embarked on this programme in 2023 and are focused on completing all major projects by 2029. While we are transforming and the best is yet to come, each milestone enhances the experiences of our passengers and users,” English-Byfield said.

The CEO also said PACKAL would do its best to minimise disruption throughout this process.

“We’re building facilities that will inspire pride in every traveller and airport user passing through NMIA. The journey is well under way, and significantly better days are ahead,” English-Byfield added.