Four flights cancelled today at SIA following security breach

Operations at Sangster International Airport in Montego-Bay St. James were disrupted today following a security breach.

The incident, which occurred around 1 p.m., led to the activation of emergency protocols at the airport and the cancellation of several flights.

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said it was initially believed a gun had passed through the passenger screening machine before boarding.

The object was reportedly spotted in a bag on security footage after the passenger passed through and entered the departure lounge.

This triggered protocols that included stopping boarding and departing flights until the passenger and baggage were identified.

The object in question was later discovered to be a pistol-shaped lighter.

Minister Vaz said the passenger involved had probably brought the item from another jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, MBJ Airports Business Development and Marketing Manager Sharon Hislop-Holt noted that three departing flights and one arriving flight were cancelled due to the disruption.

In a statement this afternoon, Ms Hislop-Holt said the affected airlines were making alternative arrangements to transport their passengers to their respective destinations as soon as possible.

She noted that the passenger involved in the security incident was taken into custody with the suspicious object and that police are continuing their investigations.

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