Operator of the Norman Manley International Airport, PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL) has explained that it is the responsibility of airlines to inform passengers of their flight status.

The explanation was in response to questions posed during a press briefing this morning (July 21), in the wake of confusion among frustrated passengers at the NMIA, whose flights were delayed.

Upset travellers took to social media to complain about the situation, as they were not allowed onto the airport compound, or to leave planes until the system was back in operation.

Police officers were on site to assist with keeping order, and monitor traffic flow to ease the congestion along the Palisadoes main road.

Chief Executive Officer of PACKAL Fernando Vistrain Lorence said the delay was due to scheduled maintenance work on switch gears, going beyond the planned 3 AM resumption time, by 3 hours, impacting at least 7 flights.

The affected fights were for JetBlue, Delta, interCaribbean and American Airlines.

When asked about passengers being informed, Mr. Lorence, along with Director of Operations, Theresa Benjamin and Director of Administration, Sitara Byfield said PACKAL does not communicate directly with passengers; the airlines do.