Jamaica’s Winter Airlift Surges 23.5%, Canada Leads the Charge

Despite hotel closures following Hurricane Melissa last year, Jamaica is gearing up for a stronger winter tourism season, with more than 1.3 million airline seats secured for early 2027 and Canada emerging as its fastest-growing source market.

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) announced Friday (Oct. 9) that international airline partners have committed 1,324,965 seats for January through April 2027, representing a 23.5 per cent increase, or 251,739 additional seats, compared with the same period in 2026.

The growth comes despite approximately 3,500 hotel rooms remaining unavailable following Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica in October 2025 and forced the closure of several major properties, particularly along the island’s northwestern tourism corridor.

“Securing more than 1.3 million seats is a strong vote of confidence in Jamaica and our tourism recovery,” said Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett in a statement, as reported by the Jamaica Gleaner.

“These commitments substantially reduce the risk of insufficient airlift for the winter season and provide a solid foundation for welcoming more visitors. Our task now is to turn that confidence into bookings, visitor spending and economic opportunities for Jamaicans.”

Canada Leads Airlift Growth

Canada has emerged as Jamaica’s strongest growth market, with airline seat capacity climbing an impressive 62.1 per cent compared with the corresponding period this year, reports the JTB.

The United States, which remains Jamaica’s largest tourism source market, is also showing substantial growth, with seat capacity increasing 23.1 per cent.

Latin America, meanwhile, has recorded a more modest two per cent increase.

According to the JTB, airline capacity from both Canada and Latin America has already surpassed 2025 levels, although overall scheduled capacity has not yet fully recovered to pre-Melissa figures.

Current projections indicate Jamaica has recovered 92.4 per cent of its 2025 airline seat capacity, an encouraging sign for a destination still rebuilding its tourism infrastructure.

Hotel Recovery Continues

While airlines are demonstrating renewed confidence in Jamaica, the accommodation sector continues to face challenges.

The JTB estimates approximately 90 per cent of Jamaica’s hotel room inventory will be operational for the upcoming winter season.

However, roughly 3,500 rooms are not expected to reopen in time, reflecting the lasting impact of Hurricane Melissa on several major resort properties.

Despite the shortfall, tourism officials believe the projected airline capacity is broadly aligned with the accommodation inventory expected to be available.

For Canadian travel advisors selling Jamaica, the expanding airlift presents additional opportunities to promote the destination, although checking individual hotel reopening schedules and room availability will remain important when confirming client bookings.

But the recent reopening of major brands is gathering momentum.

Royalton Hotels & Resorts, for one, recently reopened its complete Jamaica portfolio.

Sandals, too, has also entered the final stages of its recovery with the upcoming reopening (and transformation) of Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Caribbean Cay and Sandals South Coast.

Turning Seats Into Bookings

Jamaica’s Director of Tourism Donovan White said the next priority is ensuring the increased airline capacity translates into actual visitor arrivals.

“Our airline partners are expanding access to Jamaica, and we are working closely with tour operators and accommodation partners to translate those seats into bookings,” White said in a statement.

“Across our source markets, our teams are focused on keeping Jamaica front of mind and helping travel partners convert interest into visits.”

White added that the JTB will continue coordinating airline capacity with hotel reopening timelines to ensure supply and demand remain balanced.

According to the tourism board, Jamaica’s airlift outlook has strengthened progressively over the past 60 days, with additional airline commitments confirmed within the last two weeks.

The JTB plans to intensify marketing initiatives with airlines, tour operators and hoteliers to sustain demand and support hotel occupancy throughout the winter season.

All eyes on Canada

Canadian airlift capacity is being bolstered by expanded and returning service from Air Canada, WestJet, Air Transat and Flair Airlines, alongside the introduction of new nonstop flights by Porter Airlines.

Porter’s new winter service to Montego Bay, for one, operates out of Toronto, Ottawa and Hamilton.

In a statement to Travel Market Report Canada, Angella Bennett, regional director for Canada at the JTB, said the expanded airlift signals growing confidence in the destination’s recovery while creating new opportunities for Canadian travellers and supporting Jamaica’s tourism-dependent communities.

“Securing 1.3 million airline seats for the upcoming winter season is a strong vote of confidence in Jamaica and the continued resilience of our tourism industry,” said Bennett. “For Canadian travellers, it means greater access and more opportunities to rediscover the island’s warmth, culture and exceptional experiences.”

“For Jamaica, it represents renewed momentum, supporting tourism workers, local businesses and communities that depend on the industry. We are encouraged by the outlook for the season ahead and look forward to welcoming more Canadians to experience the very best of Jamaica.”

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