Why OCJ Airport Could See a Major Boom in Arrivals Through 2026
With multiple major resorts around Montego Bay expected to remain closed until November 2026, more travelers are shifting their stays to Ocho Rios—making Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) a piece of infrastructure that could play a bigger role in Jamaica’s north-coast travel patterns.
Jamaica’s tourism map is shifting. When room inventory tightens in one major resort corridor, travelers don’t stop coming—they choose a different base that still delivers the classic north-coast experience. With several large hotels in the Montego Bay and Rose Hall corridor expected to remain closed through late 2026, Ocho Rios is increasingly positioned as one of the most practical alternatives for many visitors.
Why Montego Bay closures create ripple effects
Montego Bay traditionally absorbs a large share of Jamaica’s visitor arrivals. That’s not just because of the airport—it’s because many of the island’s flagship resorts are located nearby. When multiple major properties in the same zone pause operations for an extended period, the impact reaches beyond individual hotels and directly influences where visitors decide to stay.
Ocho Rios is already seeing a boom in interest
Ocho Rios has long been a centerpiece of Jamaica tourism—popular for waterfalls, beaches, and day trips across the north coast. As travelers adjust plans around reduced availability in Montego Bay, many are selecting Ocho Rios as the next best match for a full-service vacation. That shift increases the relevance of nearby arrival infrastructure, including OCJ.
Why OCJ could become more strategically important
Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) supports easier access to Ocho Rios and surrounding resort areas. While it does not replace Jamaica’s largest airports, it can become more relevant when visitor flow increases toward St. Ann. As more travelers base their stays in Ocho Rios, arrival patterns can begin to follow the demand.
What makes Ocho Rios “ready”
Ocho Rios is not a fringe destination—it has a mature tourism footprint with major resorts, reliable excursion operators, and strong road links to attractions across the north coast.
Why travel patterns can shift quickly
When large resort corridors close, travelers look for the closest “equivalent” experience. Ocho Rios offers a familiar all-inclusive mix while still feeling like classic Jamaica.
Major Ocho Rios resorts positioned to absorb demand
One reason Ocho Rios is well placed for increased visitor volume is the number of major resort brands already operating in the area. That includes well-known adults-only options, family resorts, and iconic boutique stays.
- Sandals Dunn’s River
- Sandals Ochi
- Sandals Royal Plantation
- Moon Palace Jamaica
- RIU Ocho Rios
- Couples Tower Isle
- Couples Sans Souci
- GoldenEye
- Beaches Ocho Rios (Boscobel)
What this means for Jamaica’s tourism landscape through 2026
A surge in Ocho Rios arrivals doesn’t mean Montego Bay becomes irrelevant. Instead, it signals a period of redistribution across Jamaica’s north coast—where visitors still come, but they stay in different places and use different arrival points more often. Ocho Rios, backed by major resorts and growing demand, could become one of the most important “pressure release valves” for Jamaica tourism while repairs and upgrades continue elsewhere.