Best Jamaica Travel Guide
Why OCJ Airport Could See a Major Surge in Arrivals Through 2026
As hotel capacity tightens in the Montego Bay corridor through late 2026, Ocho Rios is emerging as a natural pressure valve — placing Ian Fleming International Airport (OCJ) into sharper focus.
Jamaica’s tourism system is resilient, but it is also adaptive. When room inventory tightens in one major resort corridor, demand rarely disappears — it relocates. With several large resorts in and around Montego Bay expected to remain offline until late 2026, travelers are increasingly selecting destinations that still offer a full north-coast experience.
The ripple effect of Montego Bay hotel closures
Montego Bay has long functioned as Jamaica’s primary arrival hub not only because of airlift, but because of its concentration of flagship resorts. When multiple properties pause operations at the same time, the effects extend beyond individual hotels and begin reshaping where visitors stay.
Why Ocho Rios absorbs demand efficiently
Ocho Rios already operates at scale. It combines major resort brands, established excursions, and direct access to Jamaica’s north coast attractions. For many displaced bookings, it represents the closest equivalent experience.
Where OCJ fits into the shift
OCJ will not replace Jamaica’s major international airports, but relevance grows when demand clusters nearby. Shorter transfers, private arrivals, and targeted routes gain importance as visitor volume rises.
Why patterns change fast
Resort closures alter booking behavior almost immediately.
Why airports follow demand
Infrastructure becomes relevant where travelers choose to stay.
Resorts positioned to benefit
- Sandals Dunn’s River
- Sandals Ochi
- Moon Palace Jamaica
- RIU Ocho Rios
- Couples Tower Isle
- GoldenEye
- Beaches Ocho Rios
Many travelers will still arrive via Montego Bay and rely on efficient ground transfers — including established Montego Bay airport shuttle services — as Jamaica’s arrival patterns redistribute.
