Jamaica sees global airlift increase for fall-winter 2025-2026

From September 2025 through February 2026, Jamaica is projecting that seat capacity across the island’s three major airports will grow by 4.4% compared to the same period last year. This includes Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport (MBJ), Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport (KIN), and Ocho Rios’ Ian Fleming International Airport (IFIA).

For the September–February period, MBJ will see a 5.6% increase in scheduled seat capacity and an 8.5% rise in departures year over year. KIN is expected to record a 1.3% increase in capacity and a 3.1% rise in departures, while IFIA is projected to see a 37% increase in overall capacity.

Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett said that: “This expanded airlift reflects Jamaica’s continued growth as a leading global tourism destination. Our airline partners across North America, Europe and the Caribbean recognize the demand for our island’s world-class offerings and have responded with more seats, more gateways and more convenience for travellers. This puts us firmly on track to meet our 5x5x5 growth targets.”

In North America, service from key U.S. gateways will be complemented by new Canadian connections, giving travellers more ways to reach Jamaica’s shores. MBJ will welcome additional U.S. flights, including from Baltimore/Washington International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, along with new WestJet service from Edmonton, Alberta.

In Europe, Jamaica gained its first direct Lisbon–Montego Bay flights on World2Fly Portugal, building on existing European service. Regional connectivity has improved with LIAT operating approximately three weekly flights between Kingston and Montego Bay.

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White said: “We are seeing healthy increases to our airports from diverse markets. These additional seats ensure Jamaica remains well connected to both our top source markets and emerging gateways, while giving visitors more travel options than ever before.”

The growth in airlift comes on the heels of a successful 2024, which saw 4.3 million visitors and $4.3 billion in earnings. The U.S. remains Jamaica’s top source market, accounting for approximately 75% of stopover arrivals, while Canadian and European arrivals continue to post strong year-over-year gains.

Go to www.visitjamaica.com for more.

In the photo 

Seen here, Hon. Usain Bolt, Jamaica’s Global Tourism Ambassador, in a new advertising campaign for Jamaica Tourist Board, launched on Aug. 6, 2025