Jamaica govt considers to construct new airport at World War II airbase site

The government aims to pursue Vernamfield, in the central parish of Clarendon, as a feasible alternative for a new international airport. Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness made the assertions during the site visit recently.

The vernamfield was a former United States Army Air Force airfield that was deactivated in 1949 after World War II.

The Jamaican Prime Minister addressed reporters and stakeholders after he toured the location. He stated that despite the infrastructure upgrades at the island's three international airports, there's a compelling case to be made for a contemporary facility to be created from the ground up.

"As we look to the future, it is unavoidable that Jamaica will have to construct a modern airport from the ground up. These three airports (Norman Manley International, Sangster International, and Ian Fleming International) are being tested.Always updating and renovating.. As they are all established airports, that will have to be," he said.

"However, when we consider things like climate change the possibilities of establishing maintenance, repairs, and operations of aircraft, the possibility of training pilots and other crew for aircraft, the chance of having cargo and other logistics, Jamaica will have to construct a new airport," the Prime Minister added.

[caption id="attachment_42376" align="aligncenter" width="487"] Former air base camp in Vernamfield[/caption]

He stated that the government would have to make such an investment for strategic reasons.

"Despite its long term nature, it remains on the Government's agenda." We will need a fourth international airport inevitably and eventually."

Meanwhile, work on the runway extension at Sangster International Airport has begun.

The project comprises the creation of Runway End Safety Areas (RESA), the relocation of thresholds and navigational aids, and the increase of the principal runway's take-off run availability (TORA) from 2,662 metres to 3,060 metres. The runway extension is part of a $70 million expansion project.

When finished, the runway will relocate the airport to accommodate larger and more powerful planes while cutting arrival and departure times significantly.