Pictured: Hon. Usain Bolt, Jamaica’s Global Tourism Ambassador, in a new advertising campaign for Jamaica Tourist Board, launched on August 6, 2025

KINGSTON, JAMAICA – August 15, 2025 – Jamaica is set to strengthen its position as one of the world’s most accessible island destinations over the next six months with expanded air service and seat capacity.

From September 2025 through February 2026, seat capacity across the island’s three major airports is projected to 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.

“This expanded airlift reflects Jamaica’s continued growth as a leading global tourism destination,” said Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett. “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 travelers. 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 travelers 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.

“We are seeing healthy increases to our airports from diverse markets,” said Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White. “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.

For more information about Jamaica, please visit www.visitjamaica.com.

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ABOUT THE JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica’s national tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. JTB offices are also located in Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London. Representative offices are in Berlin, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam, Mumbai, Tokyo and Paris.

Jamaica is home to some of the world’s best accommodations, attractions and service providers that continue to receive prominent global recognition. In 2025, TripAdvisor® ranked Jamaica as the #13 Best Honeymoon Destination, #11 Best Culinary Destination, and #24 Best Cultural Destination in the World. In 2024, Jamaica was declared ‘World’s Leading Cruise Destination’ and ‘World’s Leading Family Destination’ for the fifth consecutive year by the World Travel Awards, which also named the JTB the ‘Caribbean’s Leading Tourist Board’ for the 17^th consecutive year.

Jamaica earned six Travvy Awards, including a gold for ‘Best Travel Agent Academy Program’ and silver for ‘Best Culinary Destination – Caribbean’ and ‘Best Tourism Board – Caribbean’. The destination also received bronze recognition for ‘Best Destination – Caribbean’, ‘Best Wedding Destination – Caribbean’, and ‘Best Honeymoon Destination – Caribbean’. Additionally, Jamaica received a TravelAge West WAVE award for ‘International Tourism Board Providing the Best Travel Advisor Support’ for a record-setting 12^th time.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s Website at www.visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).

Contact:  

Lou Hammond Group  

jamaica@louhammond.com