Jamaica has three international airports, three domestic (aerodromes), and two military airports.
There are also many private airstrips on the Island.
Table of Contents
Norman Manley International Airport, Sangster’s International Airport, and Ian Fleming International Airport are Jamaica’s three international airports.
Sangster’s International Airport is in Montego Bay.
It is the largest and busiest in Jamaica, 72 percent of international travelers to the island use Sangsters International Airport.
They won the best Caribbean Airport award 13 times as recently as 2021.
These are the airlines that fly to Sangster’s International Airport. Some airlines only fly to Montego Bay during peak tourist season.
- Air Canada
- American Airlines
- Arkefly
- Caribbean Airlines
- Cayman Airways
- Copa Airlines
- Condor
- Delta Airlines
- Eurowings Discovery
- Frontier Airlines
- Jet Blue
- News
- Southwest Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Sun Country
- Sunwing
- Swoop
- Thomas Cook
- TUI
- West Jet
- United Airlines
- Virgin Atlantic
These are the cities in the USA with direct flights to Montego Bay. Please note that flights are not daily.
| Airport | State | City | Airport Code |
| Austin- Bergstrom International Airport | Texas | Austin | AUS |
| George Bush Intercontinental Airport | Texas | Huston | IAH |
| Dallas Fort Worth International Airport | Texas | Dallas | DFW |
| Fort Lauderdale- Hollywood International Airport | Florida | Fort Lauderdale | FLL |
| Miami International Airport | Florida | Miami | MIA |
| Orlando International Airport | Florida | Orlando | MCO |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | Atlanta | Georgia | ATL |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport | New York | New York | JFK |
| Newark Liberty International Airport | Newark | New Jersey | EWR |
| Philadelphia International Airport | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | PHL |
| Chicago Midway International Airport | Chicago | Illinois | MDW |
| Chicago O’ Hare International Airport | Chicago | Illinois | ORD |
| Dulles International Airport | Washington DC | Virginia | IAD |
| Boston Logan International Airport | Boston | Massachusetts | BOS |
| Charlotte Douglas International Airport | Charlotte | North Carolina | CTL |
US cities with direct flights to Montego Bay Jamaica
Countries and cities outside the USA have direct flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Note that some places only have seasonal flights.
| Airport | City | Country | Airport code |
| Milan Malpensa International Airport | Milan | Italy | MXP |
| Zurich International Airport | Zurich | Switzerland | ZRH |
| Frankfurt Airport | Frankfurt | France | FRA |
| Brussels Airport | Brussels | Belgium | BRU |
| Amsterdam Airport Schiphol | Amsterdam | Netherlands | AMS |
| London Gatwick Airport | London | England | LGW |
| London Heathrow Airport | London | England | LHR |
| Halifax Stanfield International Airport | Nova Scotia | Canada | YHZ |
| Toronto Pearson Airport | Toronto | Canada | YYZ |
| Calgary International Airport | Calgary | Canada | YYC |
| Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport | Montreal | Canada | YUL |
| Ottawa International Airport | Ottawa | Canada | YOW |
| Lynden Pindling International Airport | Nassau | Bahamas | NAS |
| Cancun International Airport | Cancun | Mexico | CUN |
| Owen Roberts International Airport | Grand Cayman | Cayman Islands | GCM |
| José Martí International Airport | Havana | Cuba | HAV |
| Juan Gualberto Gómez Airport | Matanzas | Cuba | VRA |
| Curaçao International Airport | Willemstad | Curacao | CUR |
Countries and cities outside of the USA with direct flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica
The busiest times of the day for arrival at Montego Bay Airport are from 11 am to 2 pm. Several flights usually land close to each other. Check-in time for most hotels is 3 pm, so you can see why many flights arrive in those time slots.
Although Montego Bay Airport can process up to 4,200 passengers per hour, the waiting time might be much longer. To avoid long delays, travel in the afternoon or early morning. While you might get to check into your room at most resorts before 3 pm, you can still enjoy the property while waiting. Late arrival would cause you to miss a day of sunshine, but it might be worth it. Click here for flight arrival.
The six most active months at the Montego Bay airport are March, June, July, August, November, and December. With restrictions lifted, things might fluctuate a bit with more people finally taking their vacation, which was postponed because of covid.
Clearing Jamaica customs can be a pain in the neck, so avoid lengthy lines using Club Mobay. It only costs a few bucks per traveler. You get somewhere comfortable to lounge while waiting on your transfer, have a drink, or even shower. Get VIP treatment the moment you step off your flight. It is even more convenient if you vacation with a group arriving on different flights.
You will need to book Club Mobay 48 hours in advance.
There are other VIP lounges at Montego Bay Airport similar to Club Mobay. They are provided by luxury resort brands, such as Sandals, Hyatt Zalara/Zava, Couples, and Halfmoon resort. You have to book with those resorts to get access.
Sangster International Airport is owned by Desarrollo De Concessiones Aeroportuarias S.A. (DCA), a Mexico-based Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacifico (GAP) subsidiary with a 74.5% interest, and Vancouver, Canada-based Vantage Airport Group, with the remaining 25.5%.
Montego Bay is the tourist capital of Jamaica and hosts some of the biggest hotel brands in the tourism industry. Therefore it is easy to find suitable accommodation near the Airport. Some hotels are based on reputation and ratings; I have also stayed at a few.
Sea Garden Resort, Royal Decameron, and Deja Resort are all-inclusive resorts about a 10-minute drive from Montego Bay Airport; they have good service and affordable prices. The S Hotel is a European Style Luxury hotel in the same vicinity. They are all on Gloucester Avenue, so you will avoid the MoBay traffic and get easy access to the beaches and restaurants nearby.
On the opposite side, Sandals Montego Bay, Jamaica’s top luxury resort, is less than 10 minutes away from Montego Bay Airport and 15 mins from the Mobay Hip Strip.
You have many all-inclusive resorts along the Rose Hall main road, the furthest just 30 minutes away from the Airport. For example, Rui Montego Bay, Zoerty Montego Bay, Holiday Inn Montego Bay, HalfMoon, Hyatt Zilara/Zava, Jewell Grande Montego Bay, Hilton Rose Hall, and the end, there is Iberostars Grande Rose Hall / Iberostars Selection Rose Hall Suites.
Find out more about all-Inclusive resorts here. For example, see the options available in Montego Bay. Also, see the best adults-only resort on the Island.
Holiday Inn Montego is a local favorite because of its affordable prices, service, and local food options.
There are also small hotels and AirBNB options near Mobay airport, such as the Blue Archid, less than 10 minutes from the Airport. So many others are available; a quick search will give you some great options.
Iberostar Rose Hall, Montego Bay
You can find many things to do in Mobay without going too far from the Airport. Here are a few beaches to visit less than 30 minutes from the Airport; Doctor Cave Beach, Tropical Bliss, and Harmony Beach Park. Also, check out Chukka Montego Bay for nature adventure and Catamaran cruises. Margaritaville on the Montego Bay Hip Strip is an excellent place for food and entertainment, as well as Usain Bolt Tracks And Record and Coral Cliff Gaming.
If you want to sample Jamaican Marijuana, stop at Epican Herb House or Island Strain. Learn more about Jamaica Marijuana here. Of course, your trip to Montego wouldn’t be complete without rafting on the Martha Brae River or going on a Chukka Adventure.
Venturing into the city safety might be a concern for you; find out how safe Montego Bay is here.
Norman Manley International Airport is in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital. It receives over 600,000 passengers a year.
It is preferred by travelers going to Kingston, eastern and central Jamaica.
Most air cargo to the Island goes through this Airport.
NMIA AIRPORTS LIMITED is the operator of the Norman
Kingston Airport departure terminal
Airlines servicing Norman Manley International Airport.
- Air Canada
- British Airways
- American Airlines
- Caribbean Airlines
- Cayman Airways
- Copa Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Jet Blue
- Spirit Airways
- West Jet
- Inter Caribbean Airlines
Click here for Cargo carriers that operate from Norman Manley International Airport.
| Airport | State | City | Airport Code |
| Fort Lauderdale- Hollywood International Airport | Florida | Fort Lauderdale | FLL |
| Miami International Airport | Florida | Miami | MIA |
| Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport | Atlanta | Georgia | ATL |
| John F. Kennedy International Airport | New York | New York | JFK |
| Newark Liberty International Airport | Newark | New Jersey | EWR |
| Philadelphia International Airport | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania | PHL |
US cities with direct flights to Kingston, Jamaica
| Airport | City | Country | Airport code |
| London Gatwick Airport | London | England | LGW |
| Toronto Pearson Airport | Toronto | Canada | YYZ |
| Lynden Pindling International Airport | Nassau | Bahamas | NAS |
| Owen Roberts International Airport | Grand Cayman | Cayman Islands | GCM |
| Santiago International Airport | Santiago | Cuba | SCU |
| Curaçao International Airport | Willemstad | Curacao | CUR |
| Providenciales International Airport | Turks A Caicos | Turks And Caicos Island | PLS |
| Tocumen International Airport | Panama City | Panama | PTY |
| Princess Juliana International Airport | Sint Maarten | Sint Maarten | SXM |
| Piarco International Airport | Port Of Spain | Trinidad And Tobago | POS |
| V. C. Bird International Airport | Saint John’s | Antigua And Barbuda | ANU |
| Grantley Adams International Airport | Bridgetown | Barbados | BGI |
Countries and cities outside of the USA with direct flights to Kingston, Jamaica
The five busiest months at Norman Manely International Airport are March, June, July, August, and December. August and December are the two most active months. This is because Jamaicans living overseas normally visit to celebrate the holidays with family, and many travels to the USA and other countries for Holidays. So if you are traveling during those months, expect delays. Fewer people travel in February, so it’s the best month to use Kingston airport to avoid the crowd. Also, it is the best time to get deals because there are many empty seats on airplanes coming into the Island.
Club Kingston, like Club Mobay, is the VP lounge at the Norman Manley International Airport. They fast-track the immigration process while you wait for your transfer in comfort, have a meal, or take a shower if you feel freshened up before reaching your final destination.
Norman Manley International Airport is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ).
Norman Manley International Airport
Kingston is the cultural capital of the Caribbean; its vibrant with entertainment. Although it contrasts with the north coast, where there are many natural attractions, it has exciting things to do. However, visitors to Jamaica’s capital might be concerned about safety, preventing them from venturing out. Click for Kingston safety tips.
Here are things you can do on your trip to Kingston. First, visit Bob Marley Museum, Peter Tosh Museum, or the Money Museum. Then, go for ice cream, a meal, or shop for souvenirs at Devon’s House; while at it, try their delicious goat patty.
Check out Hope Zoo or the Hope Botanical Garden; it is an excellent place to jog or picnic. Emancipation Park in Kingston is a great place to meet locals or chill.
Learn about Jamaica’s national heroes and nation builders with a trip to Jamaica National Hero’s Park. First, watch the Sunset at the Kingston waterfront or the Palisadoes. Then, buy authentic Jamaica souvenirs at Kingston Craft Market.
The infamous Port Royal is an exciting place to visit; while there, grab a bite at Gloria’s Seafood restaurant. I prefer the one close to the fishing dock. Viewing Kingston Harbor at night from upstairs is amazing.
The Market Place is excellent for night entertainment and restaurants; it’s also where you find Usain Bolt Tracks and Records.
Click here for more things to do in Kingston.
Many excellent hotels are close to Kingston’s Airport; I would recommend some based on experience and their reputation.
- The ROK Hotel in Down Town Kingston on the Water Front gives an Amazing view of Kingston Harbour. It’s about 20 mins drive from the Airport.
- Grand Port Royal is about a 1o mins drive from the Airport. Port Royal, Jamaica’s historic town, offers a great view of Kingston Harbour; it was recently upgraded, expect services and facilities to improve. Grand Port Royal is one of the closest hotels to the Norman Manley International Airport.
- New Kingston has a cluster of hotels with a reputation for offering excellent service. Here are a few; some I have stayed with, while others are based on guest feedback and shared knowledge. The Pegasus Hotel, Terra Nova Hotel, Spanish Court Hotel, The AC Hotel by Marriot (new), The Hilton Kingston, and the Country Yard By Marriot (new) have excellent ratings. They are known for hosting business meetings, conferences, and upscale social events.
These are a few budget-friendly hotels in or around New Kingston.
- Medallion Hall Hotel, Chris Star Villas, The Sunset Inn. These are not four or 5-star hotels, but they are good enough for a few nights on a budget and close to the Airport. Kingston has many other affordable alternatives, but the quality might vary.
- Air BNB is cheaper than hotels; there are many good quality in new Kingston; however, the closest ones to the Airport are In Harbourview. Harborview is a relatively safe residential community about 10 mins from the Airport.
Hotels in Kingston are not All-Inclusive like those on the North Coast; however, some have excellent restaurants and offer continental breakfast. You also can eat at one of the many restaurants in Kingston, which are within walking distance or a cab ride away. Uber works perfectly in Kingston and is affordable, so use them if you are uncomfortable getting a cab. You can pay on the app or with cash.
Use Jamaican currency; it is easier. Click here for a guide on how to use Jamaica’s public transport.
The ROK Hotel, DownTown Kingston, Jamaica
Ian Fleming International Airport is the smallest of the three international airports in Jamaica. It is in Boscobel Saint Mary, but some people believe it is located in Ocho Rios because of its proximity to the popular destination.
It serves smaller commercial and private planes; however, American Airlines plans to start flying there by the end of 2022.
At the post’s writing, there are no commercial flights from the USA to Ian Fleming International Airport; however, by November 5, 2022, American Airlines, under its American Eagle, will start operating non-stop flights from Miami. As a result, traveling to Ocho Rios will be much faster because it is only 15 minutes away. Compared to 1 1/2 hours from Montego Bay and Kingston.
Ian Fleming International Airport processes an average of 20,000 passengers per year. With mostly scheduled local flights from Tensin Pen Aerodrome In Kingston, Negril Aerodrome, and Ken Jones Aerodrome in Portland. It is easier to fly to these locations, which generally take 15 minutes instead of hours driving. International Airlink and Timair are airlines that service these airports.
The Airport Authority of Jamaica owns and operates the Ian Flemming International Airport.
Hibiscus Lodge Hotel is one of my favorite bed and breakfasts in Ocho Rios; it is within walking distance from the town center and perches on a cliff, giving a fantastic ocean view. There are other terrific options at Fisherman’s Point and Sand Castle.
Many all-inclusive resorts close to the Ian Fleming International Airport with good ratings. Couples Tower Isle, Jamaica Inn, Riu Resort, Jewels Paradise Cove Sandals Resort, and Beaches Resorts are less than 40 minutes from the Airport. The favorite resort for locals and Jamaicans living overseas is Moon Palace.
Ocho Rios is blessed with natural beauty; the eight rivers that flow through this town make it a special place. Waterfalls and attractions are in abundance. Here are a few of my favorites. Top of the list is Dunns River Fall, a special place; every visitor to Jamaica should go there at least once. Konoko Falls and Garden, Blue Hole, and Little Dunn’s River are others.
Beaches in Ocho Rios are plenty; here are a few; James Bond Beach in Saint Mary, close to the Airport, is a favorite for locals. However, the entry cost keeps some people away. Fisherman’s beach in the heart of Ocho Rios also Ocho Rios Bay Beach are popular spots for tourists and locals. Mahagony beach is not ideal for swimming but perfects if you want a private place to lime with friends. Its rustic setting is not for those looking for luxury or pampering.
Your trip to Ochi wouldn’t be complete without visiting Mystic Mountain; try their famous bobsled ride, zipline, and electric ATV. Yaaman Adventure Park is another spot to explore. First, make your books at Chukka Outpost in Ocho Rios to get the best package deals on a nature adventure. Next, you visit multiple attractions, Catamaran tours, ATVs, and horseback riding.
Also, visit Margaritaville in Ochi; it is the perfect place for food, entertainment, and shopping. Usain Bolt Tracks And Records is also nearby.
Dunn’s River Falls, Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Jamaica has two military airports, one at Uppark Camp in Kingston and the other in Moneague Saint Ann. They serve the airwing of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF).
Aerodromes in Jamaica are small airports that accommodate small aircraft flying locally. There are three of them on the Island, Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston, Ken Jones Aerodromes in Portland, and Negril Aerodrome in Westmoreland.
The domestic carriers, International Airlink and Timair offer chartered and scheduled flights. They are also available for sightseeing and other activities.
There are two cities in Jamaica, Kingston, and Montego Bay, and both have an International Airport. Kingston’s Airport is about 188km (116 miles) from Montego Bay Airport. You can fly to anyone, but the transfer might take longer.
If traveling to the North Coast, use the Montego Bay airport. It’s about two and a half hours from Negril, Negril, and Ocho Rios and three hours from Treasure Beach.
It is easier to travel from Kingston Airport to Portland, which takes over three hours compared to over four hours from Montego Bay. It is almost the same time to travel from any of the two airports to Ocho Rios; it takes just over 1 1/2 hours. Traveling on the toll road from Kingston Ocho Rios, the non-toll options take much longer, and sections of the roads are not bad. Here is a helpful post if you are driving in Jamaica.
Ian Flemming International Airport is perfect for travels to Ocho Rios, Saint Mary, and Portland. It is just twenty minutes from Ocho Rios and two hours from Portland.
Here are some tips for using airports in Jamaica.
- Arrive at least three hours before check-in. It’s the general guide for using airports but is even more critical to follow in Jamaica. If there are any incidences, it will not cause you to miss your flight.
- Travel with a pen to fill out immigration forms; it’s good to have your own instead of borrowing from other travelers.
- Fill out the immigration form online. Jamaica immigration forms are available online; it’s a lot easier, and you will have time to get all the relevant information, such as where you are staying. Click here for the Jamaica Immigration form.
- Although the USD is desired and accepted in most places in tourist areas, things might be a bit different if you venture out. Therefore it is better to shop in local currency. Note the selling price of the USD is less if you are exchanging JMD for USD. Exchange your foreign currency at a local money exchange Cambio; you will get a better deal, primarily if you exchange USD for JMD.
- Prearrange transfer from the Airport. While you can transfer when you arrive, it is more convenient to plan before. For example, if you are using Kingston airport, it would be safer than going into a random taxi.
You need a passport to travel on a flight to or from Jamaica. So if you are traveling to the Island on a cruise, ensure you have your pass, especially if you plan to take a flight out.
Sangsters International airport In Montego is the busiest Jamaica airport. It processes an average of 1.5 million each year with the capacity to process 4200 passengers per hour in arrival and departure.
Florida is the nearest American state to Jamaica. Hollywood International Airport, Miami International Airport, and Orlando International Airport are the only three Florida airports with direct flights to Jamaica. A direct flight will take you less than two hours. However, a connecting flight might take you a little over four hours.
While you can take pictures in Jamaica airports, there are some areas you cannot. You will see signs where photography is not allowed.
Taking photos of strangers without permission is impolite so if you want to take a photo of someone at the Airport, ask. Jamaicans are friendly; most won’t mind taking pictures, but you must ask politely. Although they speak and understand English knowing a few Patios phrase and their meaning will help you.
There is an international airport in Jamaica, cities, Kingston and Montego Bay.
Sangster International Airport is the largest and busiest because most tourists travel to the north coast.
Norman Manley International is the second-largest and caters to visiting Kingston, central and eastern parts of the Island.
Ian Fleming International Airport, the smallest of the three, is located in Boscobel, Saint Mary, near the tourist town Ocho Rios. It serves small commercial and private aircraft and has daily scheduled local flights.
Three Aerodromes and two Military Airports complete the list of airports in Jamaica.