Jamaica tourism officials are hopeful that additional flights from British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and TUI next summer will reverse a decline in British visitors.
UK visitor numbers peaked at 230,000 in 2024, making it the biggest Caribbean destination for Brits. However, arrivals dropped 6% between January and April this year after TUI slashed its flight capacity by 20% when its cruise line Marella opted to no longer homeport in Montego Bay.
Now TUI is planning to operate one extra flight a week from both Gatwick and Manchester to Montego Bay in summer 2026. British Airways will operate an extra weekly flight between London Gatwick and Kingston, one more than during the winter, and Virgin Atlantic will increase its London Heathrow to Montego Bay service to daily from four times a week.
Speaking at the Jamaica Travel Market at the Ashdown Park Hotel and Country Club, Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Barlett (pictured) said: “The United Kingdom holds a deeply rooted connection with Jamaica, through our shared history, culture, and vibrant diaspora.
“Our goal of reaching half a million UK visitors annually by 2030 is bold but also reflects the growing appetite among British travellers for the authentic Jamaican experience.”
Jamaica Tourist Board Director of Tourism Donovan White added: “In terms of airlift for the winter, first of all, let me say that I and the team are extremely proud of the relationship that we have built and continue to build with our airline partners here in the UK.
“They have been nothing short of giving us the ultimate support that we’ve asked for post-COVID, and I don’t think there’s any airline that we’ve engaged with that hasn’t responded to us positively.”
It was also revealed that Jamaica Tourist Board Regional Director UK Elizabeth Fox is taking early retirement from 16 January 2026.
