Jamaica increases flights from North America, Europe, and Canada ahead of peak travel season
Key Points(5)
- Jamaica is set to reinforce its status as one of the world’s most accessible island destinations with expanded air service and increased seat capacity over the next six months.
- From September 2025 through February 2026, Jamaica’s three major airports—Montego Bay’s Sangster International (MBJ), Kingston’s Norman Manley (KIN), and Ocho Rios’ Ian Fleming International (IFIA)—are projected to see a 4.4% increase in seat capacity compared to the same period last year.
- Montego Bay will lead the growth, with a 5.6% rise in scheduled seats and an 8.5% increase in departures.
- Kingston expects a 1.3% boost in capacity and a 3.1% rise in departures, while Ocho Rios is projected to see a dramatic 37% jump in overall capacity.
- “This expanded airlift reflects Jamaica’s continued growth as a leading global tourism destination,” said Minister of Tourism Hon.
Jamaica is set to reinforce its status as one of the world’s most accessible island destinations with expanded air service and increased seat capacity over the next six months.
From September 2025 through February 2026, Jamaica’s three major airports—Montego Bay’s Sangster International (MBJ), Kingston’s Norman Manley (KIN), and Ocho Rios’ Ian Fleming International (IFIA)—are projected to see a 4.4% increase in seat capacity compared to the same period last year.
Montego Bay will lead the growth, with a 5.6% rise in scheduled seats and an 8.5% increase in departures. Kingston expects a 1.3% boost in capacity and a 3.1% rise in departures, while Ocho Rios is projected to see a dramatic 37% jump in overall capacity.
“This expanded airlift reflects Jamaica’s continued growth as a leading global tourism destination,” said Minister of Tourism Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “Our airline partners across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean recognize the demand for our island’s world-class offerings and have responded with more seats, more gateways, and more convenience for travelers. This puts us firmly on track to meet our 5x5x5 growth targets.”
North American travelers will benefit from additional U.S. flights to MBJ, including Baltimore/Washington and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood, alongside new Canadian service from Edmonton via WestJet. In Europe, World2Fly Portugal will launch the island’s first direct Lisbon–Montego Bay route. Regional connectivity will also improve, with LIAT operating roughly three weekly flights between Kingston and Montego Bay.
Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, highlighted the impact of the added capacity, saying, “These additional seats ensure Jamaica remains well connected to both our top source markets and emerging gateways, while giving visitors more travel options than ever before.”
The expansion follows a successful 2024, which saw 4.3 million visitors generate $4.3 billion in earnings. The U.S. continues to be Jamaica’s top source market, accounting for about 75% of stopover arrivals, while Canadian and European arrivals have also shown strong year-over-year growth.
