LATAM Airlines has resumed flights between Lima, Peru and Montego Bay, Jamaica, marking a significant milestone for Caribbean-Latin American air connectivity with the first flight post-COVID on Sunday, December 01, 2024

Arriving at full capacity at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the LATAM flight represents a major step by Jamaica’s tourism sector, which has given much effort to a strategic marketing push in Latin America.

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism Donovan White Donovan White pointed out that the air connectivity between Peru and Jamaica is more than just a new route. Rather, he likened it to “a gateway to the entire South American region and its collective population of over 700 million people.

“Through LATAM’s extensive network operating from their Lima hub, connecting to over 20 destinations across South America, Jamaica becomes more accessible to millions of potential visitors,” he emphasised.

LATAM Airlines will have three flights weekly – Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays – with the route projected to bring 45,000 visitors in its first year.

The service launch was celebrated with ceremonies in Lima, Peru, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, attended by aviation executives, government officials, and tourism stakeholders from both countries. Already, there are plans to increase the frequency to a daily service by summer 2025.

“We have managed this industry to world-class standards, doubling our arrivals in Jamaica in eight years. Even after facing the most existential threat to humanity with COVID, we have bounced back to 4.3 million visitors and US$4.5 billion in earnings,” Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett shared. 

He added: “The South American market represents the next frontier for Jamaica’s tourism growth. Through LATAM’s Lima hub and our ongoing discussions with other carriers, we are positioning Jamaica to become the number one Caribbean destination for South American visitors.”