Air Transat extends suspension of flights to Montego Bay until Nov. 22

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Air Transat has extended the suspension of its flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica until November 22.

In an update posted to its website, the airline states that some local infrastructure in Jamaica remains disrupted.

“Power, Internet, and communication outages persist, while damage assessments in hotels and surrounding areas are ongoing,” the airline writes.

The company says it is closely monitoring the situation and will share any new information as soon as it becomes available.

The cancellation of bookings departing from Canada and their full refund, according to the original payment method, will be processed automatically, the airline says.

And passengers holding return tickets to Canada will be automatically rebooked on the first available flight.

Customers currently in Jamaica can reach Air Transat at +1-844-576-1838 or by email at transatmodification@transat.com.

“These contacts are reserved for travellers on site who require immediate assistance to confirm alternative options for their return to Canada,” the airline said.

Flexibility for upcoming departures

We fully understand the concerns and inconveniences this situation may cause, and we reaffirm our assurances that we are here to assist and support our customers.

To address customer concerns, we are offering special flexibility for South packages and Air Transat flights from Canada and scheduled to depart between November 23, 2025, and January 4, 2026, inclusive.

READ MORE: What’s the best way to support Jamaica? “Visit us,” says Minister of Tourism

The airline adds that customers who decide not to travel may cancel their booking and receive a full refund in the form of a travel credit (excluding any travel insurance premiums already paid and Option Flex Standard or Option Flex Extra fees).

The credit will be valid for one year from the originally scheduled departure date and can be applied to any Transat product.

To request the cancellation of a booking and issuance of a travel credit, customers are being advised to use this form.

“Visit us,” says Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism

The Canadian government has maintained its advisory for travellers to avoid all travel to Jamaica, except for the Kingston metropolitan area and the airport, due to significant damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which, as a Category 5 storm, sliced through the island on Oct. 28.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, however, has said that the best way to support Jamaica is to “visit us.” 

“Jamaica needs our partners now more than ever and the best way to support our tourism sector and economy is to visit us,” said Minister Bartlett in a statement issued Nov. 5.

Post-hurricane recovery and restoration efforts are underway in Jamaica, which is targeting a full tourism restart on December 15.

All three of Jamaica’s international airports are now open, which means “Jamaica is open to welcome visitors,” Bartlett went on to say.

“While some damage was sustained to the western parts of Jamaica, including some hotels in that region, we want to assure you that there are other resort areas across the island that remain open for business,” he said, noting hotels in Ocho Rios, St. Mary, Portland, and Kingston are now running at almost full capacity.

Additionally, some of Jamaica’s hotel partners in Montego Bay, Negril and the South Coast are open and ready to welcome visitors, he added.

Other ways to help

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) in Canada is also seeking help from within the travel advisor community.

This week, Angella Bennett, regional director for Canada at the JTB, posted a flyer for the Jamaica Tourism Cares initiative, inviting the industry (and their customers) to support the following registered charities:

• Breds Treasure Beach
• Sandals Foundation
• Hanover Charities 
• Rockhouse Foundation 
• Helping Hands Jamaica Foundation Canada 
• Food for the Poor Canada 
• Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association Education Foundation 

Donors are advised to note "Jamaica Tourism Cares" on their donation to dedicate their contribution to impacted tourism communities.

Click here for more ways to help Jamaica as it recovers from Hurricane Melissa.

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