Virgin sends aid to Jamaica

Leading airline Virgin Atlantic has pledged to help the Jamaican survivors of Hurricane Dean.

The airline said that it would fly thousands of food packs and blankets to Jamaica in the wake of the natural disaster.

Some of the aid was dispatched on a Virgin flight yesterday (August 20th) - the first UK flight to return to the island after the storm shut Jamaica's two airports.

Food packs onboard contained water, biscuits, fresh fruit and health bars.

If needed, the airline will supply more food packs on its Wednesday flight to Montego Bay.

Currently, Virgin Atlantic flies from London Gatwick to Montego Bay twice a week. In October, the airline plans to add a twice-weekly service from the UK to Kingston.

Hurricane Dean continued to batter the Caribbean and Central America. The Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) is advising holidaymakers that it is safe to fly to Jamaica. However a statement added that people "are advised to contact their tour operator for the latest updates".

Airport Hotels - Stay the night before your flight and relax in one of our 140 Airport Hotels. Pre-book with Holiday Extras and save up to 45 per cent.