Now, November Traffic Plummets at Sangster Airport as Jamaica’s Tourism Faces Challenges

Published on December 11, 2025

Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, Jamaica, recorded a dramatic decline in air travel traffic in November 2025, with passenger numbers plunging by 73.4% compared to the same month in 2024. The drop marks the steepest decrease in traffic since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to data released by Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico (GAP), the company responsible for managing Jamaica’s two largest international airports. The significant reduction in traffic is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country’s tourism industry as it continues to recover from the global pandemic.

The fall in passenger traffic at Sangster International Airport comes amid ongoing global travel disruptions and regional challenges, including economic fluctuations and shifting travel patterns. While Jamaica remains a popular tourist destination, the sharp decline in November’s air travel highlights the volatility of the tourism sector and its dependency on various factors, including global health crises, economic trends, and changes in consumer behavior.

Factors Behind the Decline in Traffic

Several factors are believed to have contributed to the dramatic decline in passenger traffic at Sangster International Airport in November. The most immediate concern is the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to affect global travel patterns and passenger confidence. While international travel has rebounded in many regions, Jamaica has seen slower recovery in its tourism sector, with fewer travelers arriving compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Additionally, economic factors such as rising fuel prices, inflation, and the increasing cost of travel have deterred some tourists from visiting destinations like Jamaica. Increased costs for both airlines and consumers have led to reduced travel demand, particularly in the off-season months. This, in turn, has impacted flight frequencies and capacity, further contributing to the decline in air traffic.

Other challenges include a shift in tourism preferences, with some travelers opting for destinations closer to home or exploring alternative vacation options. The growing popularity of domestic tourism in key markets, such as the United States and Canada, has led some potential international travelers to choose more affordable or accessible vacation options within their own countries.

Impact on Jamaican Tourism

The decline in air traffic at Sangster International Airport reflects the broader challenges facing Jamaica’s tourism sector. As one of the country’s key entry points for international visitors, the drop in passenger numbers has a direct impact on the local economy. Tourism is one of Jamaica’s most important industries, contributing significantly to GDP, creating jobs, and supporting local businesses in the hospitality, retail, and service sectors.

Reduced air traffic means fewer international visitors, which directly affects occupancy rates at hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals across the island. Tour operators, restaurant owners, and local vendors in popular tourist destinations like Montego Bay, Negril, and Ocho Rios also face reduced revenue due to the fewer number of tourists arriving in Jamaica. The downturn is felt particularly in areas heavily dependent on international tourism.

Jamaica’s tourism authorities have worked tirelessly to position the island as a key destination for post-pandemic travel, focusing on promoting safe and sustainable travel. However, the sharp decline in air traffic serves as a reminder that recovery from the pandemic will require sustained effort and international collaboration to rebuild traveler confidence and demand for the island’s attractions.

Efforts to Revive Tourism and Air Travel

In response to the ongoing challenges, tourism stakeholders in Jamaica are focusing on strategies to rejuvenate the sector. One of the key efforts is increasing the diversification of tourism offerings, ensuring that visitors have access to unique and appealing experiences across the island. From ecotourism and cultural tourism to wellness travel and adventure tourism, Jamaica is working to provide visitors with a range of activities that cater to different interests and demographics.

The government and tourism agencies are also placing emphasis on improving the visitor experience by enhancing safety measures and promoting the island’s natural beauty and cultural heritage. By leveraging these assets, Jamaica hopes to attract more visitors from key international markets, such as the United States, Canada, and Europe, which remain the island’s primary sources of tourists.

Additionally, with international airlines beginning to scale back their schedules during the off-peak months, efforts are being made to boost domestic travel and regional tourism within the Caribbean. By focusing on neighboring countries and regional partnerships, Jamaica hopes to maintain a steady flow of visitors even during the slower months.

Outlook for the Future of Jamaican Tourism

While the November 2025 decline in passenger traffic at Sangster International Airport is concerning, tourism professionals are hopeful that the sector will continue to recover over the long term. As global travel restrictions ease and passenger confidence returns, the focus will be on rebuilding the industry through strategic marketing, sustainable practices, and improvements to the overall travel infrastructure.

Looking forward, the tourism sector in Jamaica is expected to benefit from the anticipated increase in global travel demand, particularly as international tourism rebounds and consumer confidence rises. With a strong reputation for its resorts, beaches, and natural beauty, Jamaica is well-positioned to remain a top destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Conclusion: Overcoming Challenges and Strengthening the Tourism Sector

The 73.4% decline in air traffic at Sangster International Airport in November 2025 highlights the challenges facing the tourism industry in Jamaica. However, through targeted efforts to diversify tourism offerings, enhance visitor experiences, and boost domestic and regional travel, the country remains committed to overcoming these obstacles and ensuring long-term growth for its tourism sector.

As the industry recovers from the impacts of the pandemic and the global travel landscape continues to evolve, the focus will remain on rebuilding confidence, expanding connectivity, and providing visitors with unique and memorable experiences that will continue to make Jamaica a must-visit destination in the Caribbean.