Airports In Jamaica: A Comprehensive Guide

Jamaica is a beautiful Caribbean island known for its captivating natural attractions, world-renowned athletes, and delicious cuisine. If you're planning a trip to this tropical paradise, you'll want to know about the airports that can bring you there. Luckily, Jamaica has several airports that cater to both international and domestic travel, making it a convenient destination to access from many parts of the world. So, let's take a look at the airports that will help make your Jamaican dream a reality!

Airports in Jamaica

Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay

Sangster International Airport (IATA: MBJ, ICAO: MKJS) is located 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Montego Bay, Jamaica. It is the country's leading tourism gateway and 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, and minority-owned by Vantage Airport Group. It was privatised and handed over by the Airports Authority of Jamaica to the consortium in 2003.

Sangster International Airport is capable of handling nine million passengers per year and is the larger of Jamaica's three international airports. It was first conceived in 1936 when the site was identified as suitable for the construction of an airport in Montego Bay. Originally named Montego Bay Airport, the runway was built in 1940, and the facility was completed on 18 February 1947. The first international airline to fly into the airport was Pan American Airways.

The airport has undergone continuous upgrades and expansions over the years to accommodate increasing passenger and aircraft movements. The new eastern concourse was opened in December 2005, and further expansion and renovation projects have been completed, including the relocation of the immigration hall and duty-free mall. The airport offers ground transportation, hotel shuttles, and car rental services for arriving passengers. It also features a private jet area with immigration and customs processing.

Sangster International Airport is named after former Jamaican Prime Minister Sir Donald Sangster. It has won the World Travel Awards' "Caribbean's Leading Airport" multiple times, including in 2005 and consecutively from 2009 to 2017.

Norman Manley International Airport, Kingston

Jamaica has three international airports, one of which is the Norman Manley International Airport, located in Kingston, the country's capital city. The airport is named after Jamaican statesman Norman Manley, who served as the country's first and only Premier. It is situated on the Palisadoes tombolo in outer Kingston Harbour, with the city on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other. It is around 12 miles from the centre of New Kingston.

Norman Manley International Airport is the second busiest airport in Jamaica, after Sangster International Airport. It recorded 629,400 arriving passengers in 2020 and 830,500 in 2021. Over 130 international flights depart from the airport each week, and it is a hub for Caribbean Airlines. It is reputed to be the busiest airport for business travel, serving over 1.7 million passengers and handling over 70% of the island's air freight. The airport's business network includes over 70 companies and government agencies, and it directly employs over 3,500 people.

The airport is a convenient option for travellers visiting Kingston, Port Antonio, or heading to the Blue Mountains. Ground transportation can be arranged to the Downtown and New Kingston business districts, or to other parts of the island. Car rental services, taxis, and tour operators are available in the Arrivals Ground Transportation Hall.

The airport has undergone several renovation and expansion projects since 2006 as part of a 20-year master plan to increase its capacity and improve its facilities. The projects include the construction of a new departures building, a new multi-level passenger pier, and the rehabilitation and upgrading of existing infrastructure.

Ian Fleming International Airport, Ocho Rios/Boscobel

Ian Fleming International Airport is Jamaica's newest international airport, located in the Ocho Rios/Boscobel resort area, around 9 miles from Ocho Rios. It is named after the famous British author Ian Fleming, who wrote the James Bond novels, and is quite the household name in the Caribbean as many Bond movies were filmed in this region. The airport serves as a convenient entry point to Jamaica's north coast for small aircraft. It is a great option for travellers heading to areas such as Ocho Rios, Runaway Bay, Oracabessa, and Port Antonio, offering shorter transfer times to these destinations.

The airport is located about 10 km from Ocho Rios, making it a short drive or taxi ride to the beachfront hotels and resorts in the area. While it is an international airport, it is a relatively small single-terminal facility, and not many international flights use it as an arrival point. Nevertheless, it is a great option if you can find a suitable flight, as it can save you time on transfers.

The airport underwent renovations in 2011 to accommodate international arrivals, and it is easily accessible from various parts of Jamaica via ground transportation. Ground transportation can be easily arranged, with options such as car rentals, taxis, and tour operators available to take visitors to their destinations.

For those seeking a seamless experience, the airport's website (http://www.ifia.aero) provides useful information for planning your arrival and departure. Overall, Ian Fleming International Airport is a great choice for travellers looking for convenience and easy access to the north coast of Jamaica.

Domestic airports

There are three domestic airports in Jamaica:

Tinson Pen Aerodrome, Kingston

The largest domestic airport in Jamaica, Tinson Pen Aerodrome is located in the heart of Kingston. This airport mainly serves business travellers and links Montego Bay and Kingston.

Negril Aerodrome, Negril

Negril Aerodrome is one of the best airports in Jamaica for tourists. However, it does not offer night flights.

Ken Jones Aerodrome, Port Antonio

Ken Jones Aerodrome is a well-established airport, serving mainly tourists. It is not as busy as Negril Aerodrome.

Airstrips

While Jamaica is known for its three international airports, there are also several domestic airports and airstrips across the island. Here is some information on a few of these airstrips:

Kirkvine Airstrip Community

Located 65 km from the Sangster International Airport, this airstrip serves Mandeville City. It is a unique spot to check out, especially if you're already in the area. Mandeville is a great destination for those seeking a more relaxed and natural experience, with lush landscapes and a cooler climate.

Bog Walk Airstrip

This airstrip is located about 20 km from Kingston and serves the town of Bog Walk in St. Catherine Parish. Bog Walk is known for its nearby attractions such as the Bog Walk Gorge and the historic railway bridge.

Manchioneal Airstrip

The Manchioneal Airstrip serves the Caribbean coastal town of Manchioneal. One of the most exciting aspects of this airstrip is that departing planes take off over the water, providing stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. Manchioneal itself is a charming town with a rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural surroundings.

These airstrips offer a unique perspective on the island and can be great alternatives to the larger airports, especially for those seeking a more intimate and local experience. They showcase the diversity of Jamaica, from its vibrant coastal towns to its lush interior landscapes.

Frequently asked questions