New routes reinforce growing Canadian demand for Jamaica, adding nearly 5,000 seats to the market for winter 2026/27

Pictured: Porter Airlines E195-E2 Aircraft

KINGSTON; Jamaica; April 30, 2026 — Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund, has welcomed new direct service from Porter Airlines to Montego Bay. The new direct service to Montego Bay (MBJ) from Toronto (YYZ), Ottawa (YOW) and Hamilton (YHM), marks a significant expansion of airlift between Canada and Jamaica for the 2026–27 winter season.

For Jamaica, the expansion represents meaningful new access from markets that have shown strong appetite for Caribbean travel. Hamilton is an untapped gateway that will bring Jamaica within direct reach of travellers across the Greater Golden Horseshoe region for the first time.

“This new airlift from Porter Airlines is a powerful affirmation of Jamaica’s standing as Canada’s premier winter sun destination. Connecting Montego Bay directly to Toronto, Ottawa and — for the first time for Porter— Hamilton opens our island to an even wider circle of Canadian visitors. We have worked deliberately to grow our Canadian airlift, and Porter’s expansion is a direct result of that effort. Jamaica is open, vibrant and ready to welcome every traveller who steps off these new flights,” said Hon Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism, Jamaica.

Porter Airlines, one of Canada’s fastest-growing carriers, will operate flights to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay from three Canadian gateways – Toronto Pearson beginning November 23, 2026, at up to 5 flights weekly; Ottawa beginning November 25, 2026, at 2 flights weekly; and Hamilton beginning December 20, 2026, at 2 flights weekly. Porter is the only airline offering non-stop service between Hamilton and Montego Bay.

“Canada consistently ranks among Jamaica’s most important source markets, and this announcement from Porter Airlines reinforces why. Three new non-stop gateways to Montego Bay give Canadian travellers unprecedented ease of access to our beaches, culture and hospitality,” Donovan White, Director of Tourism, Jamaica Tourist Board.

The new routes, subject to regulatory approvals, form part of Porter’s broader winter sun expansion which sees the airline grow its warm-weather network by more than 150 percent year-over-year, adding four new countries and over 15 new routes across its Canadian network.

“Canadian travellers have a deep and enduring love for Jamaica, and demand from markets like Toronto, Ottawa and southern Ontario has never been stronger. Porter’s decision to add Montego Bay to its winter network — including that pioneering Hamilton route — reflects the confidence the airline community has in Jamaica as a destination that delivers. We will be working with Porter and our trade partners across Canada to ensure these seats fill quickly and that every passenger arrives in Jamaica ready to experience everything the island has to offer,” Angella Bennett, Regional Director for Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board.

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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.

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/