Normal operations at NMIA following runway mishap involving American Airlines flight

PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), the operator of the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), says service continues as usual and there have been no diversion of flights following yesterday's incident involving an American Airlines vessel.

American Airlines flight AA850 from Miami, carrying 168 passengers and six crew members, landed on Runway 30 amid heavy showers.

PACKAL says shortly after landing, at 9:34 p.m., Air Traffic Control received a report from the pilot indicating a possible collision with runway edge lights during the landing.

It says operations personnel promptly initiated a thorough inspection of the runway and its surroundings. The inspection reportedly revealed that the aircraft had experienced a runway excursion, exiting the runway into the southern verge.

It says there were no reported injuries among passengers or crew. Despite some debris, initial inspections also confirmed no apparent damage to the runway surface.

The NMIA operator further states that the Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) was notified of the incident at 10:34 p.m. and will be conducting its own investigation into the occurrence.

PACKAL says it is fully cooperating with the JCAA.

In the meantime, American Airlines has responded to the incident saying "safety is our top priority and we apologise to our customers for their experience."

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