Air passenger traffic through Jamaica’s two main international gateways declined in January as the tourism sector continued to grapple with the aftereffects of Hurricane Melissa.
Data released late Thursday by concession operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico, S.A.B. de C.V. showed that Sangster International Airport (SIA) handled 284,200 passengers in January — a 37.7 per cent drop from the 456,200 passengers recorded in January 2025. The figure, however, represented an improvement over December 2025, when the island’s busiest airport processed 262,200 passengers.
At Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA), passenger traffic fell by 6.9 per cent year-on-year, with 155,500 travellers passing through the Kingston-based facility compared with 167,000 in January 2025.
The steep decline at Sangster International largely reflects the ongoing recovery of several hotels that were impacted by the hurricane. Efforts to restore utility services and clear roadways leading to key town centres have also contributed to slower-than-usual visitor flows.
According to the Jamaica Tourist Board’s Visit Jamaica platform, 23 hotels remain closed with reopening dates stretching into late 2026. Two Grand Decameron properties are expected to reopen by March 1, while three Sandals resorts are scheduled to resume operations by May 30. Two Royalton hotels are set to reopen by August 25, with another two properties reopening by September 15 and eight Hyatt hotels by November 1. The Bahia Principe Grand Jamaica is slated to reopen on December 1.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett recently told nearly 100 travel advisors and industry stakeholders that Jamaica remains on track for a strong winter tourist season. He was speaking at a welcome dinner held last Saturday at the RIU Montego Bay Resort in St James.
Princess Resorts reopening, boosting available rooms
Princess Senses the Mangrove resumed operations on February 1 and is offering up to 60 per cent off bookings for travel between February 2026 and October 2027. That promotional booking window closes on February 8. Meanwhile, the Princess Grand Jamaica is expected to reopen by March 1.
“The reopening of 415 rooms and the return of 800 workers at Princess Resorts represent a major step forward in Jamaica’s tourism recovery,” Bartlett said. “This is about restoring livelihoods, strengthening communities, and ensuring that our tourism growth remains inclusive and sustainable.”
Other major hotel chains, including Sandals Resorts and RIU Hotels, have already reopened their room stock. Princess Resorts is expected to complete its full reopening next month with 590 rooms and a staff complement of 1,005.
Director of Tourism Donovan White said the reopening comes at a critical time as travel demand across Jamaica’s major source markets continues to strengthen. “We are seeing strong and sustained interest in Jamaica across our major markets, and the return of this room inventory is both timely and strategic,” White noted. “This underscores the confidence global hotel partners have in Jamaica as a resilient and high-performing destination.”
Additional room capacity is expected to support increased visitor arrivals, while the return of workers will strengthen service delivery across the tourism sector, one of Jamaica’s largest employers.
Speaking at the February 1 reopening, Enrico Pezzoli, Managing Director of Princess Hotels and Resorts Jamaica, said the period following the hurricane had prompted reflection and growth.
“The past period invited reflection and growth. It challenged us to look closely at who we are and how we serve, and it encouraged us to return stronger, more focused, and more intentional in everything we do. I am deeply proud of our team for their professionalism, adaptability, and continued belief in this vision,” he said.
Tourism officials say the reopening of hotels across the island signals growing momentum in the accommodation sector as properties resume full operations in line with improving airlift, booking trends and traveller confidence.
“We are seeing stronger efforts by all our hotel partners who are working to get back on stream ahead of their original timelines. This is a testament to our commitment to a full reopening to build resilience and ensure the sector’s growth delivers long-term economic benefits for the Jamaican people,” Bartlett added.
