Jamaica is poised for a robust winter travel season in 2025-2026, announcing a significant expansion in its airport seat capacity that underscores the island’s growing appeal as a premier global destination. This strategic boost in airlift, projected to increase overall seat capacity by 4.4% from September 2025 to February 2026, is a cornerstone of Jamaica’s ambitious tourism growth targets and promises enhanced connectivity for travelers worldwide.
This comprehensive expansion will impact all three of Jamaica’s primary international gateways: Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), and Ocho Rios’ Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA). The initiative builds on a successful 2024, which saw Jamaica welcome approximately 4.3 million visitors and generate $4.3 billion in earnings, with the U.S. remaining the top source market.
Bolstering North American Connections
The North American market, a vital source for Jamaican tourism, will experience substantial enhancements. Air Canada is leading the charge from Canada, introducing two new non-stop routes to Sangster International Airport (MBJ). Travelers from Ottawa will enjoy weekly Sunday flights starting December 7, 2025, through April 12, 2026, while a new Halifax-Montego Bay service will operate weekly on Tuesdays from December 4, 2025, until April 9, 2026.
Beyond new routes, Air Canada will also increase frequencies on existing services, with the Toronto route expanding to 10 weekly flights and Montreal to four weekly flights. This strategic growth is projected to result in a 23.2% rise in seat capacity from Air Canada to Jamaica. Further strengthening Canadian ties, WestJet will introduce new service from Edmonton, Alberta, to Montego Bay.
From the United States, additional flights are slated from key gateways, including Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, destined for MBJ. These new and expanded routes are designed to provide more seamless and convenient travel options for visitors eager to experience Jamaica’s vibrant culture and stunning landscapes.
Expanding European and Regional Access
Jamaica’s focus on broadening its global reach extends to Europe with the highly anticipated introduction of the first direct Lisbon-Montego Bay flights via World2Fly Portugal. This new connection is a testament to the island’s growing appeal and strategic efforts to diversify its visitor base beyond traditional markets. The move complements existing European service and aims to attract new segments of the European travel market.
Regional connectivity within the Caribbean is also seeing improvements, with LIAT operating approximately three weekly flights between Kingston and Montego Bay. Furthermore, Latin American connections have been bolstered by Copa Airlines, which has expanded its operations to include seven weekly flights into Montego Bay and five into Kingston. LATAM Airlines continues to offer non-stop flights from Lima, Peru, contributing to a historic high in connectivity from Latin America with over 10,000 seats per month. Charter services from Ecuador have also been secured, signaling a broader strategy to engage new and emerging markets.
Airport Upgrades and Strategic Vision
The expanded airlift is supported by ongoing and planned infrastructure investments at Jamaica’s airports. Sangster International Airport (MBJ), the island’s busiest hub, is set for a 5.6% increase in scheduled seat capacity and an 8.5% rise in departures. Norman Manley International Airport (KIN) in Kingston anticipates a 1.3% increase in capacity and a 3.1% rise in departures. Most notably, Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA) in Ocho Rios is projected for a remarkable 37% increase in overall capacity, signifying a significant push to develop the Ocho Rios area as a key international entry point.
These enhancements align with Jamaica’s ‘5x5x5’ growth targets, which aim to achieve 5 million visitors and US$5 billion in earnings by March 31, 2026. Tourism Minister Hon. Edmund Bartlett has consistently emphasized that expanded airlift is crucial for achieving these economic objectives and ensuring sustained economic benefits for the Jamaican people. Director of Tourism Donovan White reinforced this, stating that the additional seats ensure Jamaica remains well-connected to both top source markets and emerging gateways.
The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) and MBJ Airports Limited are undertaking significant capital projects. MBJ Airports Limited has allocated US$118 million for development projects under its 2026-2030 master plan, including expansion of the arrivals area and east concourse. Additionally, Minister of Transport Daryl Vaz highlighted a total capital program budget provision of US$152 million for the 2025-2026 fiscal year for AAJ-operated airports and concessions, with long-term plans for a proposed new international airport near Negril.
This aggressive push in air connectivity is not just about numbers; it translates into increased spending in local businesses, hotels, restaurants, and attractions, fostering job creation and poverty alleviation across the island. The Ministry of Tourism’s broader strategy also includes initiatives for inclusive growth, promoting the use of local supplies and addressing housing for tourism workers, cementing tourism as a path to empowerment and cultural preservation for all Jamaicans.