Sangster International Airport wins Caribbean’s Leading Airport for 18th consecutive year
Key Points(5)
- Sangster International Airport has been named the Caribbean’s Leading Airport for 2026 by the World Travel Awards, extending its winning streak to 18 consecutive years less than a year after Hurricane Melissa forced its closure.
- The award was presented Sunday, Oct.
- 11, at the World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas Gala Ceremony at Princess Grand Jamaica, bringing the Montego Bay airport’s total number of titles to 19.
- The recognition comes weeks before the first anniversary of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Oct.
- “Last October, we were navigating a very challenging, life-changing period in the aftermath of the hurricane.
Sangster International Airport has been named the Caribbean’s Leading Airport for 2026 by the World Travel Awards, extending its winning streak to 18 consecutive years less than a year after Hurricane Melissa forced its closure.
The award was presented Sunday, Oct. 11, at the World Travel Awards Caribbean and The Americas Gala Ceremony at Princess Grand Jamaica, bringing the Montego Bay airport’s total number of titles to 19.
The recognition comes weeks before the first anniversary of Hurricane Melissa, which made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on Oct. 28, 2025.
“Last October, we were navigating a very challenging, life-changing period in the aftermath of the hurricane. This October, we are accepting the region’s leading airport award,” said Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, which operates the airport.
“We accept this unprecedented honour with great humility, especially after being able to quickly restore the facilities and experience for passengers after Hurricane Melissa. This is a result of the incredible collaborative work done by all members of our Team Sangster family — our team, our airlines, government agencies and the partners who stood with us.”
Airport recovery and route expansion
Sangster International Airport handles more than 70% of Jamaica’s passenger traffic, making its reopening a critical step in restoring tourism to Montego Bay and surrounding parishes after the hurricane.
Since the storm, MBJ Airports Limited has worked with airline partners to restore and expand services. The airport now serves 47 destinations through 26 airlines, according to the company.
Recent route developments include Wingo Airlines services from Bogota and Medellin, Colombia; Flair Airlines flights from Toronto; and WestJet services from Quebec City and Montreal, Canada.
Additional routes are scheduled to begin before the end of 2026, including Porter Airlines services from Hamilton, Ottawa and London, Canada, and Breeze Airways flights from Tampa, Florida.
The expansions are expected to broaden travel options between Jamaica, Canada and the United States while supporting the country’s efforts to diversify its tourism markets.
“Visitors can’t return without airlift, and every flight we brought back was crucial for hotels, attractions, transport operators and small businesses,” Munroe said. “SIA is the main gateway to Jamaica, so reconnecting Jamaica to its markets was our first priority.”
Infrastructure projects back on track
MBJ also said several major airport development projects outlined before Hurricane Melissa are back on track.
The planned improvements include expansions to the check-in area, Immigration Hall, East Concourse, parking facilities and outbound security, alongside the introduction of full biometric processing for departing passengers.
Munroe said the projects would help the airport improve the passenger experience and maintain its position as a leading regional gateway.
Airport supports workers and communities
The airport’s recovery also involved supporting employees and communities affected by the hurricane, said Sharon Hislop-Holt, MBJ’s manager of commercial business development and marketing.
“We have very dedicated team members who take a lot of pride in serving our passengers. This was demonstrated throughout the year and came to the fore after the hurricane,” Hislop-Holt said.
“Even as staff dealt with loss or damage to their own homes, they showed up for work and made certain that every passenger who walked through our doors was cared for.”
The MBJ Foundation also distributed J$30 million in grants from its 2025 Charity Run/Walk to 184 secondary and tertiary students from western Jamaica and three institutions.
Of the proceeds, J$15 million was earmarked for rebuilding schools damaged by Hurricane Melissa, with additional support provided by MBJ shareholders Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico and Vantage Airport Group.
Munroe said the airport would continue working to maintain its standing while improving its facilities and services.
“To every member of our airport community, thank you,” he said.
