New Flights to Montego Bay This Winter: 23.5% More Seats to Jamaica
Jamaica expects more than 1.3 million airline seats from January to April 2027, with new nonstop flights from Canada leading the way. Here is what is new, who it helps, and how to get from Sangster International Airport (MBJ) to your hotel once you land.
Jamaica’s biggest winter seat boost since the hurricane
On October 9, 2026, the Jamaica Tourist Board announced that airlines plan 1,324,965 seats into Jamaica from January to April 2027. That is about 251,700 more seats than the same period this year, a 23.5% increase, and close to the island’s 2024 level.
Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett puts the split at roughly 400,000 seats from Canada and 900,000 from the United States, with Latin America also growing. Most of these flights land at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, the main gateway for resorts in Montego Bay, Trelawny, Negril, Ocho Rios and the south coast.
| Market | Change vs. winter 2026 | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | +62.1% | Already above its 2025 level, with new nonstop cities. |
| United States | +23.1% | Still the largest market, about 900,000 seats. |
| Latin America | +2.0% | Steady growth, already above its 2025 level. |
New nonstop flights from Canada to Montego Bay
Canada is the standout market this winter. New and expanded service means more travelers can fly straight to Montego Bay without connecting in the United States.
| From | Airline | To | Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edmonton (YEG) | Air Canada | Montego Bay (MBJ) | New Seasonal nonstop |
| Winnipeg (YWG) | Air Canada | Montego Bay (MBJ) | New Seasonal nonstop |
| Toronto (YYZ) | Porter Airlines | Montego Bay (MBJ) | Direct winter service |
| Ottawa (YOW) | Porter Airlines | Montego Bay (MBJ) | Direct winter service |
| Hamilton (YHM) | Porter Airlines | Montego Bay (MBJ) | Direct winter service |
Schedules and days of operation change. Check the airline’s website for exact dates before you book.
Air Canada, Porter and Wingo: more ways to reach Jamaica
Canada leads this winter’s growth, while Wingo keeps Latin America connected to Montego Bay. Read our guides to each airline before you book.
How to get from MBJ airport to your hotel
More flights means busier arrival halls. A pre-booked Montego Bay Airport Private Car Service is the simplest way to go from the plane to the pool: your driver tracks your flight, waits for you after immigration and customs, and takes your group straight to your hotel, resort or villa with no shared stops.
Drive times from Sangster International Airport
| Destination | Approx. drive time | Popular for |
|---|---|---|
| Montego Bay hotel strip | 10–20 min | Hip Strip, Rose Hall and Ironshore resorts |
| Falmouth & Trelawny | 35–45 min | Royalton Blue Waters and Trelawny resorts |
| Runaway Bay | About 1 h 15 min | North coast all-inclusives |
| Negril | About 1 h 15 – 1 h 30 min | Seven Mile Beach and the cliffs |
| Ocho Rios | About 1 h 45 – 2 h | Dunn’s River Falls and Ocho Rios resorts |
Most resorts are open again
About 90% of Jamaica’s hotel rooms are expected to be operating for the winter season, with the remaining rooms returning through spring 2027. Recent reopenings include all five Royalton resorts in Negril and Montego Bay, Princess Grand Jamaica, Princess Senses The Mangrove and Bahia Principe in Runaway Bay.
- Confirm your resort is open for your dates before you fly.
- Book your airport transfer early: flights into MBJ are running full.
- Add a day trip: Dunn’s River Falls, Rick’s Café or a river rafting tour.
New flights to Montego Bay: FAQ
Which new flights to Montego Bay start this winter?
Air Canada is adding seasonal nonstop flights from Edmonton and Winnipeg to Montego Bay, and Porter Airlines flies direct from Toronto Pearson, Ottawa and Hamilton. Together with expanded US service, Jamaica expects 1,324,965 seats from January to April 2027.
How far is Montego Bay airport from my hotel?
Hotels on the Montego Bay strip are 10 to 20 minutes from Sangster International Airport. Falmouth and Trelawny are about 35 to 45 minutes away, Negril about 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes, and Ocho Rios about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Do I need to book my airport transfer in advance?
Yes, especially this winter. With more flights landing around midday, arrival halls are busy. A pre-booked private transfer means your driver is already tracking your flight and waiting at Desk 4 when you clear customs, with no lines at taxi stands and no shared shuttle stops.
What if my flight is delayed?
We track every MBJ arrival. If your flight lands early or late, your driver adjusts to the new time, and there is no extra charge for normal airline delays.
Are Jamaica’s hotels open after Hurricane Melissa?
Most are. About 90% of hotel rooms are expected to be operating for winter 2027, and the tourism ministry expects all rooms back by about May 2027. Major resorts in Montego Bay, Negril, Trelawny and Runaway Bay have already reopened.
Your flight is booked. Is your ride?
Since 2013, Best Jamaica Tours has met travelers at Sangster International Airport and taken them straight to their hotel. 4.9★ on Google, 1,746+ Tripadvisor reviews and a 2025 Travelers’ Choice award. Travel agents and groups can book through Best Jamaica, our Jamaica DMC company.
