Emirates' Jamaica Flights Spark Political Debate
Emirates’ recent announcement of direct flights to Jamaica has triggered political controversy amid questions of transparency, while in an unrelated incident, an Emirates Airbus A380 made headlines for performing a go-around at San Francisco International Airport due to difficult landing conditions. Here’s a closer look at both events.
Image: cntraveler.com
Controversy in Kingston
The announcement was initially celebrated as a significant win for Jamaica's tourism industry. However, controversy soon erupted, with opposition members demanding clearer information about any incentives or benefits offered to Emirates to establish this new route. Critics claim the agreement was rushed and that taxpayers were not adequately informed.
Government Response
Delano Seiveright, Senior Strategist in Jamaica's Ministry of Tourism, quickly dismissed the criticisms, describing them as unfounded and politically driven. He stated that the Emirates deal was properly structured, beneficial to Jamaica's economy, and in line with standard international practices.
The new flights, which begin in July 2025, will connect Jamaica directly with Dubai, potentially increasing tourism significantly. Despite political disputes, both sides agree the new service could positively impact Jamaica's tourism and economy.
Emirates Airbus A380 Performs Go-Around in San Francisco
An Emirates Airbus A380 recently attracted attention when it executed an unusual go-around maneuver while attempting to land at San Francisco International Airport.
Image: simpleflying.com
What Happened?
On April 1, 2025, the Emirates A380 from Dubai to San Francisco faced challenging landing conditions, forcing the pilots to abandon their first landing attempt just moments before touchdown. This maneuver, known as a "go-around," is performed when pilots decide that landing would not be safe or optimal.
Cause of the Go-Around
According to initial reports, strong crosswinds and visibility concerns were factors in the decision. After safely completing a second approach, the massive aircraft landed without incident approximately 15 minutes later. Passengers were unharmed and reportedly calm throughout the experience.
Routine Safety Measure
A go-around is considered a standard safety procedure in aviation and not uncommon at airports with challenging weather conditions. Emirates has not released any further statements beyond confirming the incident and emphasizing their commitment to safety.
While Emirates continues to grow its global network and connect new destinations such as Jamaica, the airline faces occasional challenges—both politically and operationally. This week’s events underscore the complexities of global aviation, from navigating sensitive agreements to handling routine yet dramatic in-flight procedures.