Montego Bay Airport: Size, Capacity, And Future Expansion Plans

Sangster International Airport, formerly known as Montego Bay Airport, is located 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The airport is capable of handling nine million passengers per year, with around 3.7 million passengers travelling through the airport annually as of 2007. The airport features a small, single terminal with approximately a dozen eateries and 20 retail stores, alongside various facilities such as airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, and nearby hotels.

The airport's name and history

The airport is officially known as the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport (MBJ). It is named after one of Jamaica's most famous prime ministers, Sir Donald Sangster. The airport is also commonly referred to as Sangster International Airport or Montego Bay Airport.

The idea for the airport was conceived in 1936, and the decision to build the runway was made in 1940. Construction of the airport began around 1946 and was completed on 18 February 1947. The airport was strategically located close to the coastline and Montego Bay town. At the time, Montego Bay was considered a playground for the rich and famous and was a premier vacation spot in the Caribbean. The first international airline to fly into the airport was Pan American Airways (which later became Pan Am), and the airport was operated by the airline until 30 September 1949, when the Jamaican government took control.

By 1950, the airport was owned by the Jamaican government and bore little resemblance to the airport today. In 1959, a new terminal opened south of the runway, handling around 500 travellers every hour. Over the years, the airport has undergone continuous upgrades and expansions. In 2005, the new eastern concourse was opened, and in 2006, phase two of the expansion was brought forward due to favourable economic conditions and increasing tourist trade in Jamaica.

Today, the airport is the largest of three international airports in Jamaica, handling approximately 3.7 million passengers annually. It is capable of handling nine million passengers per year and is the most popular airport for tourists visiting the north coast of Jamaica. The airport has seen recent surges in passenger numbers and new routes, leading to various rehabilitation projects to accommodate the increased demand.

Passenger capacity and growth

Sangster International Airport, formerly known as Montego Bay Airport, is capable of handling nine million passengers per year. It is the most popular airport for tourists visiting the north coast of Jamaica. The airport is run by MBJ Airports Limited, whose leading stakeholder is Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico.

Over the years, the airport has undergone continuous upgrades and has grown to become the largest of Jamaica's three international airports. In 2007, it handled approximately 3.7 million passengers per year, and this number has continued to grow. The airport has seen an increase in passenger and aircraft movement, with new routes being added to accommodate surging passenger numbers.

To cope with the increased demand, the airport consortium has undertaken several projects to rehabilitate and expand the airport. This includes renovating the check-in area, re-surfacing the aprons, taxiway, and runway, and revamping duty-free and retail offerings. The airport now features a variety of dining and shopping options, including well-known brands such as Starbucks, Auntie Anne's, and Wendy's.

Montego Bay Airport serves a wide range of domestic and international airlines, including major carriers such as American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. The most popular routes from Montego Bay are to New York and Miami, with numerous weekly flights connecting these destinations. The airport provides various amenities for travellers, including airport lounges, free WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, and nearby hotels.

Airlines and routes

Montego Bay Airport, officially known as Sangster International Airport (MBJ), is located 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The airport is run by MBJ Airports Limited, with Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico as the leading stakeholder. It is capable of handling nine million passengers per year, although in 2007, it handled approximately 3.7 million passengers.

Montego Bay Airport is well-connected to the United States, with 24 airports across the country offering direct flights to the airport. Flights to Montego Bay Airport are available from the following cities in the United States:

• Fort Lauderdale
• Atlanta
• Washington, D.C.

Toronto in Canada is another major hub for flights to Montego Bay, with four airlines offering direct flights: Air Canada (Star Alliance), Air Transat, Sunwing, and WestJet. Other Canadian cities with direct flights to Montego Bay include Calgary, Halifax, Moncton, Montreal, Ottawa, St. John's, and Winnipeg.

In Europe, London Heathrow is the only airport with direct flights to Montego Bay, serviced by Virgin Atlantic. Outside of the UK, there are direct flights from Zurich, offered by Edelweiss Air, and from Lima, Peru, offered by LATAM.

The airport also has direct flights from across the Caribbean, including Panama City, served by Copa Airlines; La Romana, served by Neos; Puerto Plata, served by Edelweiss Air; Nassau, served by Bahamasair; and Grand Cayman, served by Cayman Airways.

Terminal facilities and amenities

Dining options at the airport include a variety of well-known fast-food and casual dining establishments, such as Auntie Anne's, Cinnabon, Dairy Queen, Domino's Pizza, Moe's, Nathan's, Starbucks, and Wendy's. There are also local options such as Jamaica Bobsled and Viva Gourmet Market. However, as of 2018, there were no 24-hour dining options available. The airport also offers a range of duty-free shopping options, with plans announced in 2018 to further revamp the airport's retail area to enhance the customer experience and optimise profits.

Montego Bay Airport provides free WiFi throughout the terminal, as well as mobile charging points. Showers are available in the Club Mobay Lounge, and there are lockers for those who need to store their belongings. For travellers with a layover or an overnight sleepover, the airport provides information on nearby hotels and other amenities.

The airport is served by a variety of domestic and international airlines, including major carriers such as American Airlines, British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. It is capable of handling up to nine million passengers per year, making it the largest of Jamaica's three international airports.

Nearby accommodation options

Sangster International Airport (formerly known as Montego Bay Airport) is located 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The airport is capable of handling nine million passengers per year, and there are 158 hotels to choose from within a mile of the airport.

If you're looking for a place to stay near the airport, there are several options available. Here are some highly-rated hotels and resorts in the area:

• Royal De Cameron Cornwall – Located within budget and close to the airport, this hotel offers free access to Doctors Cave Beach. It features a small but comfortable beach, a fun pool, and great food.
• Jewel Grande Montego Bay – This resort offers memorable experiences with its friendly and entertaining staff.
• Riu Montego Bay – An adults-only, all-inclusive resort with friendly staff, a pool bar, and delicious food.
• S Hotel Jamaica – A luxury boutique all-inclusive hotel with clean rooms, friendly staff, and inviting enclaves.
• Hyatt Ziva Rose Hall – A wonderful resort with excellent customer service and a great spa.

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