The UK government has arranged special charter flights to assist British nationals stranded in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa caused severe disruption to normal travel operations. These flights are intended to supplement commercial services that have been suspended or delayed due to the storm’s aftermath.
Flight registration open for stranded travellers
To manage the evacuation smoothly, a dedicated flight registration form will soon be available for British nationals who wish to return home. Those already registered on the Register Your Presence portal will automatically receive a booking link once airports resume operations. British citizens currently in Jamaica and seeking to leave are urged to register without delay.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stressed that travellers should first check directly with their airlines or travel agents to confirm whether existing commercial flights are still running before seeking assistance for a chartered flight.
Eligibility and travel requirements
The chartered flights are open to British nationals, their partners or spouses, and children under 18 travelling with them. All passengers must have valid travel documents. Immediate family members who are not British citizens will need to hold permission to enter or remain in the UK granted for more than six months.
Members of the Windrush generation who possess indefinite leave to remain in the UK can also access this support. They are encouraged to contact the FCDO directly at +1 (876) 936 0700 or +44 (0)20 7008 5000 to receive the flight registration form.
Priority for vulnerable passengers
The UK government has stated that priority will be given to the most vulnerable individuals, including those with urgent medical conditions and families with young children. Seats on the charter flights will be charged at regular commercial rates. The FCDO will reach out directly to those who are allocated seats, and travellers are advised not to go to the airport until they have been contacted.
UK assistance for Caribbean recovery
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed concern for those caught in the hurricane’s impact, noting the close ties between the UK and Jamaica. She said the government’s immediate goal is to ensure that British nationals can return home safely and as quickly as possible.
“The strong connection between the UK and Jamaica means many British nationals were affected by the devastation of Hurricane Melissa. We are ensuring they can get safely home,” Cooper said. “These charter flights will provide extra capacity to bring people back to the UK as soon as possible.”
To support these efforts, two Rapid Deployment Teams have been dispatched to Jamaica. Their role is to coordinate the charter operations and deliver on-the-ground consular support for stranded citizens.
Humanitarian funding and international cooperation
In addition to the evacuation flights, the UK has committed £2.5 million in emergency humanitarian assistance for the wider Caribbean region. This funding aims to help local authorities and relief organisations provide immediate aid to those affected by Hurricane Melissa’s destruction.
The UK is collaborating closely with the Jamaican government and international bodies such as the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and various United Nations agencies to deliver coordinated support. The assistance will prioritise the most vulnerable communities and help restore essential services across the island.
Ongoing updates for British nationals
The UK government continues to monitor the situation closely. Travellers in Jamaica are advised to stay informed through official FCDO travel updates and to follow local safety advice. The charter flights will continue to operate as needed to bring British nationals home safely and assist those most affected by the hurricane.
British nationals should act promptly to register their interest in these flights and remain patient as operations resume gradually in the coming days.