Jamaica Welcomes Resumption of Caribbean Airlines Direct Service Between Fort Lauderdale and Montego Bay

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) has welcomed the return of Caribbean Airlines’ direct service between Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, following a five-year hiatus.

The inaugural flight, which arrived at Sangster International Airport on March 11, 2025, marks the airline’s renewed commitment to strengthening Jamaica’s air connectivity and tourism sector.

The reintroduction of this route will provide daily flight service from Fort Lauderdale to Montego Bay, injecting 1,323 seats per week in each direction. This enhanced connectivity is particularly significant for the over 300,000 Jamaicans residing in Fort Lauderdale and surrounding areas, as well as tourists and business travelers seeking convenient access to Jamaica’s tourism capital.

“Today marks more than just the return of an air route.”

“It represents the strengthening of a vital bridge between our nations, connecting families, friends, businesses, and visitors eager to experience the unparalleled spirit of Jamaica,” shared Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett. “With daily flight service now from both Kingston and Montego Bay, business and leisure travelers will be but a skip away from getting to our shores. This is what connectivity is about – ensuring that visitors can have seamless options to experience Jamaica’s authentic hospitality.”

The Jamaica Tourist Board will collaborate closely with Caribbean Airlines on joint marketing initiatives, special promotions, and strategic partnerships to drive awareness and increase arrivals. This partnership aligns with Jamaica’s strategy to expand tourism offerings and improve accessibility for international visitors.

“We are ready to welcome more visitors that the resumption of this route will bring. The partnership with Caribbean Airlines is one that we appreciate and know will grow even more as we build out more connectivity for the region,” said Donovan White, Director of Tourism.

Caribbean Airlines CEO Garvin Medera emphasized that the decision to restart this service was based directly on customer feedback and is part of the airline’s broader growth strategy. “At Caribbean Airlines, home is where the heart is. We understand the deep connections between Jamaica and its Diaspora, and this daily service between Montego Bay and Fort Lauderdale is another way we are making it easier for our customers to get home,” said Medera.

The return of this vital air route comes at an opportune time as Jamaica’s tourism sector continues to flourish. With its diverse offerings, from world-renowned beaches and cuisine to rich musical heritage and adventure experiences, Jamaica remains a premier destination for travelers worldwide.

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. In 2024, Jamaica was declared the ‘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 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 visitjamaica.com or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).  Follow the JTB on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube. View the JTB blog at visitjamaica.com/blog/.

SEEN IN IMAGE: Director of Tourism Donovan White (fourth from right) delivered tokens of appreciation to Captain Brenton Burrows (first from left), First Officer Ricardo Dawson (right) and the Caribbean Airlines inflight crew at last Tuesday’s event.

Media Contact:  Kiwayne Jacobs, Jamaica Tourist Board, kjacobs@visitjamaica.com