Copa Airlines adds 10 weekly flights to Montego Bay, strengthening Jamaica's tourism.

Copa Airlines is significantly expanding its service to Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica, increasing flights to 10 weekly. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett announced the expansion, highlighting it as a strong indicator of confidence in the destination's recovery. This boost brings Copa's total operations in Jamaica to 15 weekly flights, including five services to Kingston, with Montego Bay's increase particularly vital as the island's main tourism gateway. Bartlett emphasized the burgeoning South American market, noting Copa's extensive network connecting the continent to the Caribbean.

The expanded service supports Jamaica's ongoing tourism recovery efforts following disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa. The island is currently operating at approximately 70 percent of its total room capacity, with further growth anticipated through 2026. Beyond South America, Jamaica is also strengthening its airlift from Europe and the United Kingdom, maintaining services with carriers like British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, TUI, and Condor, while actively working to rebuild traffic from its largest source market, the United States.

Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, operator of Sangster International Airport, underscored the critical role of airline connectivity in Jamaica's recovery. In 2025, despite operational challenges from Hurricane Melissa, Sangster connected Jamaica to 45 destinations through 29 airline partners. Passenger traffic reached approximately 4.2 million by year-end 2025, an 8.7 percent decrease from 2024, attributed to global demand pressures and hurricane-related disruptions. However, air cargo volumes saw an increase, reflecting post-COVID recovery.

The United States remains Sangster's primary source market, accounting for 75 percent of passenger traffic, followed by Canada (11%), Europe (7%), and the United Kingdom (4%), with Latin America representing about 2 percent. Diversifying this market mix is a strategic priority for the airport. Data indicates Panama City, served by Copa Airlines, and Lima, Peru, are among Sangster's fastest-growing routes, highlighting the increasing importance of Latin American connections. Bartlett also credited the rapid repatriation of 25,000 visitors post-Hurricane Melissa for restoring airline confidence, with the destination welcoming 300,000 visitors in the last four weeks. The combined effect of increased airlift and rising occupancy is expected to accelerate Jamaica's tourism recovery into 2026.