Sangster International Airport (SIA) bid a heartfelt farewell to Sunwing Airlines last week, marking the end of a remarkable 20-year partnership, while reaffirming its commitment to a continued strong collaboration under the WestJet Airlines brand.  

Sunwing’s departure follows the airline’s recent acquisition by WestJet, culminating in the final Sunwing-operated flight from Montego Bay on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.

Over the past two decades, Sunwing has played a pivotal role in strengthening air connectivity between Jamaica and Canada, consistently ranking among the top ten carriers operating at SIA.

During its tenure, Sunwing Airlines offered both year-round and seasonal services on multiple routes, including Toronto, Montreal, Edmonton, Moncton, Halifax, Ottawa, St. John’s, and Regina.  The airline’s affordable vacation packages brought thousands of Canadian travellers to Jamaica’s world-renowned resort destinations, helping to solidify the country’s status as a top Caribbean destination for Canadian vacationers.

“Sangster International Airport has been a vital partner of Sunwing Airlines for many years, and we are grateful for the collaboration from the airport staff who helped service our customers with the utmost care and friendliness,” said Khuram Malik, Vice President, Passenger Services and Airports at Sunwing Airlines. “Jamaica is one of the most popular sun destinations we offer, and with thousands of our customers travelling through MBJ each year, all of us at Sunwing Airlines would like to thank MBJ for playing a key part in helping us make vacation dreams come true. 

“As we look ahead to the next chapter and our aircraft transitioning over to WestJet’s fleet, Sunwing Vacations customers will continue to visit MBJ on WestJet-operated flights, and we look forward to forging a new partnership with MBJ in the years to come.”

Shane Munroe, Chief Executive Officer of MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), operators of SIA, expressed his appreciation for the longstanding partnership.  “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sunwing Airlines for their dedication to excellence and their role in making Jamaica a preferred destination for Canadian travellers.  In addition to being an airline partner, Sunwing has been an ambassador for Jamaica, helping countless visitors discover the warmth and beauty of our island.  While we bid farewell to the Sunwing brand today, we are excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead with WestJet.  We look forward to continuing this strong relationship and welcoming even more Canadian visitors to Jamaica through this new partnership.”

The transition represents a new chapter in Canadian-Jamaican aviation connectivity, with WestJet set to maintain and expand the routes previously operated by Sunwing.  MBJ remains committed to working closely with WestJet to ensure seamless operations and the continued excellent service that has defined both Sunwing Airlines and WestJet Airlines for travellers.