Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica, has been named Caribbean’s Leading Airport 2026 by the World Travel Awards, securing its 19th title and extending its winning streak to 18 consecutive years. The recognition comes less than a year after Hurricane Melissa forced the airport to suspend operations, following efforts to restore commercial flights and international air connectivity.
The award was presented on October 11, 2026, at the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony, held at Princess Grand Jamaica. Operated by MBJ Airports Limited, Sangster International Airport handles more than 70% of Jamaica’s air passengers, according to the operator, making its recovery particularly important for the country’s tourism sector.
The 2026 recognition follows the restoration of commercial services after Hurricane Melissa and continued efforts by MBJ Airports Limited to develop air connections with North America and South America.
Sangster Airport Restores Operations After Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28, 2025, temporarily disrupting operations at Sangster International Airport. The Montego Bay airport had closed on October 26 as a precaution before the hurricane, reopening for relief flights on October 30 and resuming limited commercial services on November 1.
The reopening of Sangster International Airport was particularly important for western Jamaica, where international air access supports hotels, tourist attractions, transportation providers and local businesses. As the country’s principal gateway for overseas visitors, the airport played a central role in restoring connections with major tourism markets.
“SIA is the main gateway to Jamaica, so reconnecting Jamaica to its markets was our first priority,” said Shane Munroe, Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Limited.
The recovery effort brought together airport personnel, airline partners, government agencies and service providers. MBJ Airports Limited has credited this coordination with helping restore passenger operations following the storm, while allowing the airport to resume its broader development plans.
International Air Connectivity Continues to Develop
Sangster International Airport was served by 26 airlines connecting Montego Bay with 47 destinations, according to figures released by MBJ Airports Limited in October 2026. The operator has continued working with carriers to restore services and develop additional routes following Hurricane Melissa.
Recent air service developments highlighted by MBJ include Wingo connections from Bogotá and Medellín in Colombia, Flair Airlines services from Toronto, and WestJet flights from Québec City and Montréal. These routes support access from Canadian markets while reinforcing Jamaica’s air links with South America.
Additional connections are planned before the end of 2026. Porter Airlines has announced services to Montego Bay from Ottawa, London in Ontario, and Hamilton, while MBJ Airports Limited has identified a Tampa–Montego Bay service by Breeze Airways among its upcoming connections.
The planned additions reflect MBJ Airports Limited’s efforts to diversify Sangster International Airport’s international network. However, the operator’s October announcement does not provide comparable pre-hurricane route figures or updated 2026 passenger totals, making it difficult to quantify the extent of the airport’s traffic recovery.
Terminal Expansion and Biometric Processing Projects Back on Track
MBJ Airports Limited is also moving forward with terminal modernization projects that were planned before Hurricane Melissa. The development program includes improvements to passenger-processing facilities and infrastructure intended to accommodate future operational requirements.
The projects cover expansions of the check-in area, Immigration Hall, East Concourse, parking facilities and outbound security screening areas. MBJ Airports Limited also plans to introduce full biometric processing for departing passengers as part of its airport modernization strategy.
Shane Munroe confirmed in the October 12 announcement that the projects were back on track following the hurricane. The airport operator has not provided updated investment figures or completion dates for the individual developments.
Sangster International Airport has an annual handling capacity of nine million passengers and recorded 5.267 million passengers in 2024, according to MBJ Airports Limited. The continuation of its modernization program comes as the Montego Bay airport restores air services and prepares for future passenger demand.
Source : MBJ Media release
FAQ
Why was Sangster International Airport recognized in 2026?
Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica, received the Caribbean’s Leading Airport 2026 award at the World Travel Awards ceremony on October 11, 2026. The recognition marked its 19th title overall and 18th consecutive annual win.
When did Sangster International Airport reopen after Hurricane Melissa?
Sangster International Airport resumed relief flights on October 30, 2025, and limited commercial operations on November 1, following Hurricane Melissa’s landfall in Jamaica on October 28, 2025.
How many airlines and destinations does Sangster International Airport serve?
According to MBJ Airports Limited, Sangster International Airport was served by 26 airlines connecting Montego Bay with 47 destinations as of October 2026.
Which new air routes are planned for Montego Bay in 2026?
MBJ Airports Limited announced additional Porter Airlines services from Hamilton, Ottawa and London, Ontario, Canada, alongside a planned Breeze Airways connection from Tampa, Florida, before the end of 2026.
What infrastructure improvements are planned at Sangster International Airport?
MBJ Airports Limited plans to expand Sangster International Airport’s check-in area, Immigration Hall, East Concourse, parking facilities and outbound security screening areas. The modernization program also includes full biometric processing for departing passengers.
