Montego Bay Airports Limited (MBJ) welcomed the inaugural flight of Southwest Airlines from Kansas City, Missouri, to Montego Bay on Saturday (October 7). 

The new flight from Kansas City arrived at Donald Sangster International Airport at 3:35 pm. The six crew members and 61 passengers disembarking the inaugural flight were greeted with welcome entertainment courtesy of a local Mento Band. 

Officials on hand to meet the flight included Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, deputy mayor of Montego Bay Councillor Richard Vernon, CEO MBJ Airports Limited Shane Munroe and regional director Jamaica Tourist Board Odette Dyer

In a special message Transport Minister Daryl Vax wrote, “I extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to the passengers on this Southwest Airlines Inaugural flight from Kansas City to Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay.”

“This flight marks a significant step forward in bolstering air connectivity, convenience, and opportunities for visitors, near and far, to travel to Jamaica.  The introduction of this flight is poised to strengthen our tourism bonds, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the aviation sector in this ever-evolving global landscape. The ministry looks forward to witnessing the positive impact Southwest Airlines will undoubtedly have on our nation’s aviation industry.”

The flight will operate weekly on Saturdays throughout the winter season, providing travellers with a convenient and reliable connection between the heart of the United States and the pristine shores of Montego Bay.

Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, expressed his enthusiasm about this development, stating, “Montego Bay Airports Limited is thrilled to extend our network with Southwest Airlines and enhance connectivity between Kansas City and the Caribbean with the start of this new flight to Montego Bay in October.”

Munroe also stated that this new flight addition by Southwest Airlines represents strategic developments that expand travel options for passengers heading to Jamaica. 

Audley Deidrick, CEO and president of Airports Authority of Jamaica says, “This exciting partnership between Montego Bay Airports Limited and Southwest Airlines marks a significant milestone in air travel between Kansas City and Montego Bay. We look forward to welcoming travellers and fostering greater accessibility to this beautiful destination.”

Southwest Airlines is a prominent United States based airline and is the largest global operator of low-cost flights. Its headquarters is located at Dallas, Texas.

The airline offers scheduled services to 121 destinations within the United States and an additional ten countries worldwide.