Home / Weather / DR Opens Doors to 800 Flights Amid Hurricane Displacement
DR Opens Doors to 800 Flights Amid Hurricane Displacement
27 Nov
Summary
- Dominican Republic authorized 800 flights for displaced tourists.
- Jamaica faces challenges reopening hotels until mid- to late 2026.
- Hurricane Melissa caused significant damage and fatalities in Jamaica and Haiti.
The Dominican Republic has approved 800 additional flights to welcome tourists displaced by Hurricane Melissa. This strategic decision aims to capitalize on the peak tourism season and benefit from travelers rerouted from hard-hit islands like Jamaica. Officials anticipate a significant positive impact on hotel occupancy, projecting rates above 95% during the upcoming holiday period.
Jamaica, however, is facing a prolonged recovery. The storm's landfall on October 28th caused widespread destruction, with some major hotels estimating reopening dates as late as mid- or late 2026. Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to restore services, with a goal of having 60% of hotel rooms available by mid-December.
The devastating effects of Hurricane Melissa are starkly evident across the region. Jamaica continues to grapple with power and water restoration, while grappling with fatalities and suspected leptospirosis cases. Haiti also suffered greatly, with at least 43 deaths reported and widespread flooding in its southwestern areas.
