Durrant Pate/ Contributor 

Airport passenger traffic in Jamaica hit a steep decline last month based on the latest financial returns from Mexican-based Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), which operates both major international airports in Jamaica, Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay and Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) in Kingston.

Yesterday, GAP reported that its Mexican airports grew modestly, but Jamaica and lower load factors were a drag on its financial results. GAP experienced total passenger traffic across its network falling by 2.2% in January 2026 versus January 2025. The performance was saved by a 1.2% increase at its 12 Mexican airports, which more than offset the steep declines in Jamaica, where Montego Bay and Kingston saw traffic slump 37.7% and 6.9%, respectively.

This was due to disruptions from Hurricane Melissa. While key Mexican hubs such as Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta posted solid growth and domestic traffic rose 2.3%, international traffic across the system dropped 6.9%, load factors weakened to 79.7% from 83.9% despite a 3.0% increase in available seats.

Traffic at Tijuana was hit by a 10%-plus drop in cross‑border CBX users, underscoring weather-related and demand pressures that could weigh on GAP’s near-term operating performance and regional tourism flows. While no profitability numbers were disclosed, tipranks.com, which analyses and ranks stocks’ performance, says GAP’s strong financial performance and attractive dividend yield are significant strengths. It has a market capitalisation of US$13.81 billion.

The positive earnings call, it says further supports the stock’s potential. However, technical indicators suggest caution, and high leverage remains a risk. Investors should monitor revenue growth and debt management closely. On the New York Stock Exchange GAP’s stocks climbed by 1.9% yesterday a $305.00 buy price target. 

GAP is an airport operator that manages 12 airports across Mexico’s Pacific region, including major hubs such as Guadalajara and Tijuana, as well as key tourist destinations Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, La Paz and Manzanillo, and mid-sized cities like Hermosillo, Guanajuato, Morelia, Aguascalientes, Mexicali and Los Mochis. The company is dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Mexican Stock Exchange, and also controls Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay and operates Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, extending its footprint into Jamaica’s tourism-focused aviation market.