Sangster airport rolls out self-bag drop and major terminal upgrades

Sangster International Airport, Jamaica’s main tourism gateway handling more than 70 per cent of the island’s overseas air travellers, used its bi-annual airport forum to outline upgrades aimed at faster processing and a smoother passenger experience.

A standout initiative is a self-bag drop launched with American Airlines as an early partner. Travellers can complete check-in at self-service kiosks, tag their luggage there, and send bags straight to screening without using the traditional counter.

MBJ Airports Limited chief executive Shane Monroe said fresh airline services signal that Jamaica remains a strong draw despite a dip in visitor arrivals after Hurricane Melissa. Latin American traffic rose 43.9 per cent, while European markets grew 2.4 per cent. Panama recorded the largest absolute increase, with nearly 14,000 additional passengers, and a new direct Bogotá service also contributed.

Connectivity is widening further. Wingo began three-times-weekly Medellín–Montego Bay flights on 23 June, strengthening ties with South America for tourism, business, and cultural exchange. For the winter season, Porter Airlines plans new links from Toronto, Hamilton, and Ottawa.

Several capital works are nearing completion or already under way. The check-in hall project is in its final phase to improve conditions for passengers and staff. The security and immigration hall will double in size, and a departures plaza and promenade will reshape the airport frontage with separate zones for bus and private-vehicle passengers, a promenade, and a canopy linking departures and arrivals.

Resilience work includes a 3 megawatt solar photovoltaic installation, with total installed solar capacity set to reach 6 megawatts by year-end once all PV systems are restored—a lesson reinforced after Hurricane Matthew showed utilities cannot be taken for granted.

Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz noted that Sangster recently earned Level 3 Airport Carbon Accreditation from Airports Council International, reflecting efforts to cut emissions across airlines, ground handlers, concessionaires, and other airport partners. He said Jamaica will keep building a modern, resilient, and globally competitive aviation sector.