Airports in Jamaica
Domestic & International

We currently have two major airports in Jamaica,

1. The Norman Manley International (KIN) in Kingston and 
2. The Donald Sangster International airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay.

There are however, another 4 domestic ones that help to transport both cargo and passengers around the island. 

These are:

1. The Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston,
2. The Negril Aerodrome-of course in Negril,
3. The Ian Fleming International Airport in Ocho Rios and the
4. Ken Jones Aerodrome in Port Antonio.

The Norman Manley International Airport

The Norman Manley International Airport, formerly the Palisadoes Airport, is the airport that serves Kingston and its vicinities primarily. It was named in honour of Norman Washington Manley, one of our seven national heroes.

There are over 130 international flights a week that depart from the Norman Manley International Airport.

For a listing of the airlines that serves this airport, click here.

The Sangster International Airport

The Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James, is one of the largest and busiest airports in the Caribbean.

Often referred to as the gateway to the Caribbean, it serves as the most popular airport for tourists visiting the north coast of Jamaica.

MBJ, as it is called, is currently the busier of Jamaica's two main airports. The airport of course, is named after one of our former Prime Minister, Sir Donald Sangster.

MBJ has made significant strides over the years taking it to heights comparable with any international airport globally.

However, the development of the airport did not happen overnight, but was first conceived in 1936 when the site now housing the Sangster International Airport was identified as one suitable for the construction of an airport in the town of Montego Bay.

Originally named the Montego Bay Airport, a decision was made to build the runway in 1940, and the actual construction of the facility was completed on February 18, 1947.

At the time of its completion, the town of Montego Bay was more like a playground for the rich and famous, and was considered then, one of the premier vacation spots within the Caribbean, just as it is today.

The first international airline to fly into the Montego Bay Airport was Pan American Airways, and in fact, the airport, which in comparison to today's standards, was more like a small aerodrome, was operated by Pan American until September 30, 1949, when the Government took control of the facility.

Over the years, the upgrading process was a continuous one, ultimately the facility had grown into the larger of the two international airports in Jamaica, handling approximately 5.6 million passengers per year back in 2004.

Tinson Pen Aerodrome

The largest of Jamaica's three domestic airports is Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston. It is situated on Marcus Garvey Drive, a significant thoroughfare that connects Kingston to the neighbouring town of Portmore. Additionally, a transshipment port called Kingston Free Zone is close to the airport. Business travelers are the main clients of the airport. Additionally, the airport serves as a crucial commercial conduit between Kingston and Montego Bay.

The Negril Aerodrome

This relatively small airport mainly serves the tourist area of Negril. However there has been some renovation in recent years and talks about increasing the runway size and eventually accepting international flights have been happening. 

The Ian Fleming International Airport

The airport bears Ian Fleming's name, who is well known for creating the most well-known fictional spy in history, JAMES BOND. Just five kilometers from the airport is the picturesque village of Oracabessa, where Ian Fleming wrote fourteen (14) of the JAMES BOND-starred novels at his Jamaican home, Golden Eye. IFIA is located in the village of Boscobel, 15 kilometers from the popular tourist destination Ocho Rios, and is the perfect entry point for even the most discerning traveler.

Ken Jones Aerodrome

Northeastern Jamaica's Ken Jones Aerodrome is an airport that is situated 10 km west of Port Antonio. It benefits nearby tourist destinations as well as local transportation. Air Jamaica Express used to offer scheduled passenger service at the airport.

In the upcoming years, it is expected to see all the domestic airports become more active and international.

Sharing IS Caring! Please help me get the message out by sharing this article with your friends on social media (links below). Thnx ;-)

If you found this page useful, please consider subscribing to my weekly newsletter, to get even more. 

It tells you each week about the new information that I have added, including new developments and great stories from lovers of Jamaica! 

Return to Getting to Jamaica from Airports in Jamaica
Return to My Island Jamaica Homepage from Airports in Jamaica

References & Sources For Airports in Jamaica

1. https://ifia.aero/
2. https://airportsauthorityjamaica.aero/location/ken-jones-aerodrome/
   

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Back To The Top Of This Page

New! Get My Latest Book👇🏿

You asked, I've answered! You no longer need to save for months or years, to enjoy paradise! JAMAICA On A Budget is your passport to experiencing what I call 'The Real Jamaica' on a budget! I spilled the beans! sharing my top tips on finding cozy accommodations and secret gems, only the way a native could! Click Here to pick it up on my e-store and start saving now!

See The Best Of Jamaica - In Videos!

My channel reaches over 140,000 subscribers worldwide and has leveraged over 11 million views, sharing, what I call 'The Real Jamaica'. Subscribe today and join our family of viewers.

Read More ...

New! Experience The REAL Jamaica!
Book Your Private Tour here and experience Jamaica the way we (locals) do!

---

P.S. Didn't find what you were looking for? 
Still need help?

Click Here to try our dependable and effective Site Search tool. It works!

Or, simply click here and here, to browse my library of over 500 questions and answers! Chances are someone already asked (and got an answer to) your question.

---

SHOP JAMAICAN Book Local Tours

Book Your Vacation Travel TIPS and Cautions

Watch My Videos!

Featured Video!

Travelling To Jamaica? 

Read this BEFORE you go

👇🏿

Recent Articles

• 
• 
• 

1. What Is The Weather Like In Jamaica At Christmas?

   Dec 22, 24 01:10 PM

   
   Wondering what is the weather like in Jamaica at Christmas? You can expect warm, sunny days and a cool Christmas breeze.

   Read More

2. How is Christmas in Jamaica Unique? | 8 Reasons to Love Christmas

   Dec 21, 24 09:19 PM

   
   There are few things better than a Jamaican Christmas, in my humble (probably biased) opinion. How is Christmas in Jamaica unique? Let’s find out!

   Read More

3. Christmas In Jamaica | 12 Must-Haves At A Jamaican Christmas Dinner

   Dec 21, 24 08:52 PM

   by Sheree-Anita Shearer | Associate Writer See Also: How Do Jamaicans Celebrate Christmas? | 10 Special Events In The Holiday Season Photo: Family Dinner

   Read More

4. 10 Fun Facts About Old Time Christmas In Jamaica

   Dec 21, 24 08:49 PM

   by Deon Clarke | Associate Writer See Also: Christmas In Jamaica | 12 Must-Haves At A Jamaican Christmas Dinner Photo: Decorated Christmas tree in the

   Read More

5. What Are The Benefits Of Eating Mulberry?

   Dec 20, 24 09:14 PM

   Wondering, what are the benefits of eating mulberry? This small fruit is packed with powerful health perks, from boosting digestion to improving immunity.

   Read More