Over US$140 million will be spent to upgrade the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, over the next five years.

Chief Executive Officer for PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), Sitara English Byfield made the announcement during a media briefing at the airport on Wednesday.

She said several projects included in the multi-million dollar renovation have already begun. 

The development projects are slated to continue up to 2029.

Mrs. English Byfield noted that the projects include work on the airport’s runway, as well as 5 of 6 taxi-ways. 

The PACKAL CEO said work has already begun to address the cooling issue at the airport. 

That project will cost approximately US$2 million.

Rehabilitation is also being carried out on the airport’s restrooms. 

This will be completed in March 2025. 

Mrs. English Byfield noted that the baggage handling system is being replaced at a cost of US$5 million.

Other infrastructure upgrades to be undertaken include the public address system at a cost of US$425,000 and the CCTV camera system, at a cost of  US$400,000.

Mrs. English Byfield said new escalators will also be put in to enhance accessibility. 

These will cost US$1.8 million.

She added that four escalators are also to be replaced by year end.