KINGSTON; Jamaica; August 21, 2025 – Jamaica’s air connectivity with the United Kingdom is set to strengthen next summer as British Airways adds a fourth weekly rotation between London Gatwick (LGW) and Kingston (KIN) for the Summer 2026 flying season. The additional Saturday service will provide greater travel flexibility for visitors and the Jamaican diaspora, while supporting the island’s tourism growth and wider economic development.

Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica, emphasized the broader national impact of the announcement. “Air connectivity is a critical pillar in nation-building. This fourth weekly service will not only strengthen our tourism sector, but also support trade, investment, cultural exchange, and the bonds between Jamaicans at home and abroad. Each new flight represents expanded opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and the continued development of Jamaica as a global brand,” Minister Bartlett expressed.

The additional service, operating on Saturdays, will begin on April 4, 2026, and offer passengers even greater flexibility when planning their journeys.

With the extra rotation, British Airways will now operate four flights per week on the route, serving Kingston on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

“We are happy to see British Airways increasing its capacity to Kingston. The UK remains one of our most important source markets, and this extra rotation gives travelers even more flexibility to discover our vibrant capital and the many attractions across the island. This growth aligns perfectly with our strategy to strengthen airlift and enhance accessibility to Jamaica,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

Flights will be available for booking starting today, offering travelers the opportunity to secure their seats early for the busy summer travel season.

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 17th 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 12th 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). Follow the JTB on Facebook, X, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at www.visitjamaica.com/blog/.