News & Reports

Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay remains open, but may close at any moment. Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston will close from 8:00 PM Saturday due to the imminent arrival of Hurricane Melissa. There is no estimate for when flights will resume. Airline Impact: - JetBlue: All flights from Sunday to Monday are canceled. - American Airlines: Kingston flights canceled Sunday; change fees waived for travel Oct 25-27. - Air Canada: Several flights have been canceled, and two extra outbound flights have been added. - Caribbean, Southwest & Cayman Airways: Multiple cancellations through Tuesday. Advice: - Check your flight status with your airline before heading to the airport. - Avoid unnecessary travel to Montego Bay and Kingston airports. - Monitor updates from the Airports Authority of Jamaica and airport websites. - Expect significant flight delays and cancellations through early next week.  

The South African Weather Service has issued a Fire Danger Index (FDI) warning, indicating conditions where fires can start easily and spread rapidly. Strong, dry winds and high temperatures could lead to uncontrolled wildfires, threatening property, livestock, and lives. Advice: *Avoid open flames, braais, or outdoor cooking. *Remove personnel and equipment from fields. *Report any smoke or fire immediately fast containment is critical and move upwind to safety. *Follow instructions from local fire authorities and stay alert for official updates.

A strong storm system is bringing heavy rain, thunderstorms, and the risk of flash floods and tornadoes. Authorities have issued multiple severe weather warnings, with strong winds and hail expected in some areas. Travel conditions may deteriorate rapidly as storms move eastward through the weekend.   Advice: *Follow local weather alerts and seek shelter immediately if tornado or flash flood warnings are issued. *Avoid driving through flooded or low-lying areas where flash floods may occur. *Secure outdoor items and stay indoors during strong winds or lightning. *Allow additional time for travel and local transportation, as severe weather conditions may lead to delays, route changes, or temporary closures.

Over 120 flights have been cancelled across major Chinese airports, impacting both domestic and international routes. Airlines, including Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern, have reported operational disruptions, causing widespread travel delays and rescheduling. The situation may continue through the weekend as airlines adjust capacity and manage stranded passengers. Advice: *Check your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport. *Expect longer wait times and possible rebookings for international routes. *Allow extra time for check-in and be prepared for limited alternative flights. *Follow official updates from your Airport and the relevant airlines. *Allow flexibility for onward transportation at your destination, as delays may affect connections, transfers, or local travel plans.  

Several flights have been cancelled or delayed at Changi Airport, affecting key international routes to Melbourne, Jakarta, Bali, and Dhaka. Airlines, including Jetstar, TransNusa, AirAsia, and Air India Express, have reported operational disruptions, leaving multiple passengers stranded and requiring rescheduling or alternative routing. The reason for the cancellations has not been officially confirmed, and further disruptions may occur throughout the weekend.   Advice: *Check your flight status directly with your airline before heading to the airport. *Expect longer wait times and possible rebookings for international routes. *Allow extra time for check-in and be prepared for limited alternative flights. *Follow official updates from Changi Airport and the relevant airlines. *Allow flexibility for onward transportation at your destination, as delays may affect connections, transfers, or local travel plans.  

The U.S. government shutdown continues into the weekend, and flight delays and staffing shortages are persisting at major airports. Air traffic controllers and key aviation staff are still working without pay, leading to reduced capacity and ongoing disruptions in flight schedules. While the severe “ground stops” seen on Thursday have eased, significant delays remain across major hubs, particularly during peak travel hours. The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) warns that further disruptions are likely if the shutdown continues.   Advice: *If you have upcoming travel in or out of the U.S., expect delays and build in extra time for check-in, boarding, and potential rescheduling. *Monitor your flight status continuously via airline communications and official tracking tools (such as the FAA’s service status portal). *Consider alternate routing or departure times if flexibility allows, especially for non-urgent travel. *Stay in contact with your airport’s information services and be prepared for ground-holds or departure/arrival adjustments. *Alert stakeholders to your increased schedule risk and plan contingencies for potential disruptions.  

A strong monsoon trough combined with a moderate northeast monsoon is bringing persistent heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and rough seas to southern Thailand. Offshore waves in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea are reaching 2 metres or higher, creating a risk of coastal flooding and dangerous sea conditions.   Advice: *Avoid travel through flood-prone or mountainous areas due to possible flash floods and landslides. *Expect transport disruptions and delays in affected southern provinces. *Suspend all marine and coastal activities small boats are advised to remain ashore. *Monitor updates from the Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) and follow local safety instructions.  

Authorities have announced temporary road closures and traffic restrictions across key routes in Gauteng on Friday and Saturday for a G20 Summit “dry run” security exercise. The closures will affect major highways and arterial roads between Johannesburg and Pretoria, resulting in significant traffic delays and rerouted public transport services.   Advice: - Avoid affected routes and allow additional travel time within Johannesburg and Pretoria. - Use alternative roads and follow traffic advisories from law enforcement. - Expect increased police and security presence near major intersections and government buildings. - Monitor live traffic updates from the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL): https://www.nra.co.za  

The Ministry of Works and Transport has issued a traffic advisory warning motorists of likely disruptions along the Kampala–Jinja Highway due to ongoing repair works at several worn-out sections. The maintenance activity is expected to cause lane closures, slower traffic flow, and periodic delays over the coming days.   Advice: - Allow extra travel time when using the Kampala–Jinja Highway. - Consider alternative routes or travel outside peak hours where possible. - Follow traffic management signs and directions from road authorities. - Monitor updates from the Ministry of Works and Transport for completion timelines: https://www.works.go.ug  

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has reported a minor explosive eruption at the summit crater of Kanlaon Volcano on Friday evening, October 24. The eruption produced ash emissions visible from nearby communities, though no major damage or casualties have been reported. Authorities remind the public that the Alert Level remains at 1, indicating low-level unrest, but entry into the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to possible sudden steam-driven explosions.   Advice: - Avoid the 4-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone around Kanlaon Volcano. - Monitor official updates and bulletins from PHIVOLCS: https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph - Travelers in Negros Island should expect possible ashfall and temporary flight adjustments depending on wind direction. - Stay alert for changes in volcanic activity and follow local authority guidance.