TUI Cancels Jamaica Getaways as British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Ground Flights Following Hurricane Melissa

TUI, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have all cancelled or delayed flights and holidays across Jamaica following the devastating hurricane.

, a Category 5 hurricane, made landfall yesterday on the island with speeds up to 160mph.

TUI, BA and Virgin have all cancelled flights and holidays to JamaicaCredit: Reuters Hurricane Melissa landed in Jamaica yesterdayCredit: AP Airports in Jamaica remain closed due to damageCredit: Instgaram/romeichentertainment

New images coming from show widespread destruction, with most of the island left without power.

As many as 8,000 Brits are thought to be on holiday in the country, with many taking shelter in hotels.

And tour operators and airlines have since been cancelling holidays in response.

has cancelled all flights to Jamaica until October 31, although this may be extended.

And all package holidays to Jamaica have been cancelled until at least the end of the week (November 2).

They said in a statement: “We’re working hard to assess the full impact of in Jamaica and the extent of damage to local infrastructure including resorts, roads and airports.

“We want to reassure our customers that their safety and wellbeing remains our absolute top priority. 

“We understand this is an unsettling time and ask that customers currently in Jamaica continue to follow the advice of local authorities and their resort teams. ”

has only cancelled flights up until tomorrow although this is very likely to be extended.

Flights VS165 and VS165 have been cancelled tomorrow (October 30).

And has also cancelled a number of upcoming flights, with passengers told to contact the airline.

Both Norman Manley International Airport and Sangster International Airport remain closed.

Just remember that you must not cancel your holiday ahead of the your tour operator or you will be left out of pocket.

This is because the Foreign Office has not warned again travel to Jamaica – it is only when it is advised against, that you can cancel a holiday for a full refund.

Instead it is better to contact the tour operator and see if you can push back your flight if you are wary of travelling.

Foreign Secretary said: “The FCDO stands ready to help British nationals 24/7.

“We have set up a crisis centre in the Foreign Office, including with support from the (Ministry of Defence), and we are also positioning specialist rapid deployment teams to provide consular assistance to British nationals in the region.

“Any British nationals who are there should follow our and the advice of the Jamaican authorities.”

Virgin’s flights to Jamaica have been cancelled until at least tomorrowCredit: Alamy