In a move to strengthen accessibility for Caribbean travelers, Jamaica has announced a new direct flight from Nassau, Bahamas, to Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ). The service, operated by Bahamasair, will commence on November 17, 2024, with flights scheduled twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. The approximately two-hour journey will offer a convenient travel option for visitors from the Bahamas to explore Jamaica’s rich culture and natural beauty.
Highlighting the importance of the new route, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, shared, “This new flight within the Caribbean region marks a significant step in strengthening regional connectivity and tourism. It provides greater access for our Caribbean neighbors to experience the beauty and culture of Jamaica while enhancing opportunities for economic growth and collaboration. We are ready to welcome more visitors from across the region, further uniting the Caribbean as a hub of culture and tourism.”
The announcement ceremony, held on October 24 at Kingston’s Courtleigh Hotel & Suites, included key tourism leaders from both nations. Donovan White, Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), emphasized the flight’s potential to expand cultural exchanges and promote Jamaica’s distinct offerings. “The introduction of this new flight to Jamaica marks not only a celebration of connectivity but also an opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture, natural beauty, and warm hospitality that Jamaica is renowned for. It’s a bridge to our rich heritage and culture, offering more people the chance to experience the island’s breathtaking landscapes,” White noted.
Melony Rahming, Bahamasair’s Board Director of Sales and Marketing Subcommittee, underscored the strategic choice of Montego Bay, citing the shared tourist appeal between the Bahamas and Jamaica. “We appreciate all that Jamaica has to offer, and we are excited to share that with others. Montego Bay was chosen because we felt that continuing with the product that we offer in the Bahamas—which is of course a tourist destination—Montego Bay is the best option to continue on with what we offer already,” Rahming said.
Peter Mullings, Deputy Director of Tourism, Marketing, JTB, added, “Tourism plays a huge role in both our economies, and this new route presents the opportunity for more visitor arrivals, cultural exchanges, and business opportunities.”
The new Nassau-Montego Bay route represents a milestone in Caribbean tourism, bridging two popular destinations and creating greater opportunities for both leisure and economic growth across the region.
