Durrant Pate/Contributor

Jamaica is set for expanded air service and increased seat capacity over the next six months, reinforcing its status as one of the world’s most accessible island destinations. 

From September 2025 through February 2026, the island’s three major airports—Sangster International, Norman Manley International and Ian Fleming International—are projected to see a 4.4 per cent increase in seat capacity. Montego Bay is leading the growth with a 5.6 per cent rise in scheduled seats and an 8.5 per cent increase in departures. 

Kingston follows next with a projected 1.3 per cent boost in capacity and a 3.1 per cent rise in departures, while Ocho Rios is projected to see a dramatic 37 per cent jump in overall capacity. The expansion follows a successful 2024, which saw 4.3 million visitors generate US$4.3 billion in earnings. 

The United States continues to be Jamaica’s top source market, accounting for about 75 per cent of stopover arrivals, while Canadian and European arrivals have also shown strong year-over-year growth.

North American travellers will benefit from additional US flights to MBJ, including the Baltimore/ Washington and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood route, alongside new Canadian service from Edmonton via WestJet.

In Europe, World2Fly Portugal will launch its first direct Lisbon–Montego Bay route.

Regional connectivity will also improve with LIAT operating roughly three weekly flights between Kingston and Montego Bay.

Jamaica’s tourism authorities are excited at the development, with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett saying, “This expanded airlift reflects Jamaica’s continued growth as a leading global tourism destination. Our airline partners across North America, Europe, and the Caribbean recognise the demand for our island’s world-class offerings and have responded with more seats, more gateways, and more convenience for travellers.”

This puts Jamaica firmly on track to meet its 5x5x5 growth targets.

For his part, Director of Tourism Donovan White highlighted the impact of the added capacity, adding, “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.”