The UK government has launched an urgent repatriation operation to rescue British nationals stranded in Jamaica following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, Sky News can reveal.
In a dramatic emergency response, the Foreign Office has chartered multiple flights to evacuate citizens from the Caribbean island where infrastructure has been crippled and commercial air travel remains severely disrupted.
Emergency Measures Activated
With normal flight operations paralysed in the wake of the catastrophic storm, specially arranged aircraft are being deployed to transport British passport holders back to the UK. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has confirmed the emergency charter flights will operate from both Montego Bay and Kingston airports.
"We are assisting British nationals to leave Jamaica following damage to airports caused by Hurricane Melissa," a government spokesperson stated, emphasising the severity of the situation.
Passenger Eligibility and Costs
The evacuation mission comes with important conditions for those seeking rescue:
- Only British passport holders are eligible for the chartered flights
- Passengers will be required to pay for their seats
- Commercial flight options remain extremely limited due to extensive storm damage
The Foreign Office has established dedicated communication channels, urging affected British nationals to contact them immediately for assistance and booking information.
Caribbean-Wide Devastation
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across multiple Caribbean nations, with Jamaica bearing some of the most severe impacts. Critical infrastructure including power grids, communication networks, and transportation systems have suffered extensive damage, creating humanitarian challenges across the island.
The UK's rapid response demonstrates the government's commitment to citizen safety abroad during natural disasters, though questions remain about the charging policy for emergency evacuations during catastrophic weather events.
