KINGSTON, Jamaica — Travelers passing through Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) this Thursday, March 13, 2025, may notice heightened activity as the airport carries out a full-scale emergency response drill between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
The simulation, designed to test NMIA’s crisis management systems, will stage a controlled aircraft-related emergency within airport grounds. The exercise will bring together various emergency response units, including aviation security, fire services, and medical personnel, to assess coordination and response times in a high-pressure scenario.
PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), the entity managing NMIA, emphasized the importance of preparedness in aviation safety. “Aviation emergencies are rare but require absolute precision when they do occur. This exercise ensures that all relevant agencies are synchronized and ready to act effectively,” said Theresa Benjamin, PACKAL’s Director of Operations.
As part of the drill, emergency vehicles will be moving in and around the airport, potentially affecting traffic flow. Authorities advise motorists to remain alert and exercise caution while traveling near NMIA during the scheduled exercise.
Passengers and residents in surrounding communities should expect to see emergency activities but are urged to continue their normal routines, as the event is purely a precautionary measure to strengthen crisis response capabilities at one of the nation’s busiest travel hubs.
