Jamaica’s tourism sector is poised for a significant boost with the announcement of two key airlift expansions targeting European markets.
Edelweiss Air, a Swiss leisure carrier, will introduce a second weekly flight from Zurich to Montego Bay starting in winter 2025, adding to its existing Thursday service with a new Monday rotation. This development follows the recent unveiling of weekly non-stop flights from Lisbon, Portugal, to Montego Bay by World2Fly, the travel arm of the Iberostar Group, set to launch in summer 2025.
Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, welcomed the Edelweiss expansion during the 45th International Tourism Fair (FITUR) in Madrid, Spain. “Edelweiss Air’s new flight will primarily cater to the Swiss traveler and create opportunities for the luxury market, aligning with Jamaica’s push to promote high-end tourism offerings.
The additional airlift represents 3,500 new seats, increasing Edelweiss’ total capacity to 7,000 for winter 2025/2026,” Bartlett stated. He noted that the added flights are crucial to achieving the goal of welcoming five million visitors by 2025.
Jamaica introduces Lisbon to MoBay flights
This announcement builds on the excitement surrounding the Lisbon-Montego Bay flights from World2Fly, which are already showing strong demand with 50% occupancy months ahead of the scheduled launch. Operated by the state-of-the-art Airbus A350, with a capacity of approximately 432 passengers, the new service highlights Jamaica’s growing appeal among European travelers.
“World2Fly’s service from Lisbon offers seamless travel between Europe and the Caribbean, tapping into a highly lucrative market,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism. He expressed optimism that the flights would reach full capacity by March, underscoring the robust demand for travel to Jamaica.
Both airlift expansions are strategic moves to deepen Jamaica’s connection to European markets, enhance accessibility, and attract luxury and leisure travelers. With flights from Zurich and Lisbon joining existing routes from Spain and other European destinations, Jamaica is cementing its position as a top-tier global destination.
Jamaica’s diverse tourism offerings, from breathtaking landscapes to rich cultural experiences, continue to resonate with international travelers. “We are ready to welcome more visitors from these key European markets, ensuring they experience Jamaica’s renowned hospitality and unique attractions,” White added.
These developments signify Jamaica’s commitment to expanding its global reach and delivering unparalleled travel experiences to meet rising demand.
