Jamaica marked a key milestone on June 4 with the arrival of the first-ever World2Fly flight from Lisbon, Portugal, at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James.
The flight, which carried 360 passengers, represents a strategic expansion of Jamaica’s footprint in the European travel market and highlights the success of coordinated industry partnerships.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Hon. Delano Seiveright, said the launch of this new air service goes beyond adding another route. “This moment stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in making this route a reality. It’s a clear demonstration of our commitment to expanding Jamaica’s reach and providing more direct access to our beautiful island,” he said.
Mr. Seiveright noted that from June to October 2025, the Ministry expects to welcome over 6,000 visitors from Continental Europe via this weekly non-stop service. Initially planned for 17 rotations, the schedule has already been extended to 18, reflecting strong demand and Jamaica’s growing appeal as a leading global destination.
“This extension is a clear sign of the growing interest and confidence in Jamaica’s tourism offerings,” the State Minister added.
He explained that the success of this new route is the result of nearly a year of strategic planning and collaboration, which began in June 2024. A joint effort between the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), World2Meet, and New Blue led to the launch of an eight-month marketing campaign in November 2024 targeting European travellers.
“Today, we see the fruits of this strategic partnership. Each Wednesday, until September 24, this non-stop flight will bring approximately 352 visitors directly to our shores, opening new opportunities for our hospitality and tourism sectors, and fostering stronger cultural and economic ties between Jamaica and Portugal,” Mr. Seiveright said.
He expressed confidence in the continued growth of European tourism to the island. “We are committed to enhancing our global reach, and today’s flight is a testament to what we can achieve through partnership, innovation, and a shared vision for sustainable growth.”
