Sangster International Airport (SIA) has been named the Caribbean’s Leading Airport 2025 by the World Travel Awards (WTA), achieving the title for a record 17th consecutive year. The announcement was made during the WTA Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony 2025, held on Saturday at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Resort in St. Lucia.
The recognition reinforces SIA’s standing as the region’s premier aviation gateway and highlights Jamaica’s continued leadership in travel and tourism. For Shane Munroe, Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), which operates the airport, the award reflects the dedication of everyone involved.
“We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition for the 17th consecutive year,” said Munroe, who dedicated the win to the MBJ team, the wider SIA community, and all stakeholders. “This achievement is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our over 7,500 exceptional team members and partners who work tirelessly every day to create memorable experiences for every traveller who passes through our gates. We remain committed to continuing to serve with passion and humility, continuously innovating, and raising the bar for airport operations in the Caribbean and beyond.”
Continuous Investment in Excellence
Sangster International Airport serves as Jamaica’s main tourism gateway, handling more than 70 percent of the island’s air travellers. The award comes as MBJ continues to invest heavily in infrastructure, passenger experience enhancements, sustainability initiatives, and technological innovations.
Recent developments include expanded terminal facilities, improved passenger flow systems, and a new dedicated Air-Sea lounge to better accommodate cruise passengers. The airport is also advancing its digital transformation, with full biometric integration already implemented in arrivals and set to extend to departures. A self-bag drop system is expected to be piloted later this year.
Looking ahead, Munroe said the focus remains on balancing growth with superior customer experience. Planned upgrades include expanding the check-in area, parking facilities, Immigration Hall, and the East Concourse.
“The airport is an integral part of the visitor experience,” Munroe stated. “We are both the first and last impression visitors have of Jamaica—welcoming them upon arrival and providing their final taste of our renowned hospitality at departure. This understanding drives our commitment to excelling across all touchpoints, from our amenities and facilities to our service delivery. This recognition, for the 18th time [17th consecutive win], further inspires us to raise the bar even higher as we continue our journey of transformation and service excellence.”
Sharon Hislop-Holt, Manager of Commercial Business Development and Marketing, emphasized the teamwork behind the airport’s success. “This remarkable achievement reflects the incredible support and partnership we enjoy with our stakeholders, airline partners, and the wider airport community. Every award we receive is shared with those who believe in our vision and work alongside us to deliver the exceptional Jamaican hospitality that our visitors have come to expect,” she said.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards are recognized globally as the benchmark for excellence in the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries. Winners from the Caribbean & North America Gala Ceremony will advance to compete in the World Travel Awards Grand Final later this year.
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