LATAM Airlines has officially resumed its direct flight service between Lima, Peru, and Montego Bay, Jamaica, a significant move that promises to boost air connectivity between Latin America and the Caribbean. The inaugural flight, which landed at Sangster International Airport on Sunday, December 1, 2024, was fully booked, signaling strong demand and marking an important moment for both nations.
The resumption of this route comes at a time when Jamaica is focusing on expanding its reach into the Latin American market. LATAM Airlines, a major carrier in the region, will operate the Lima-Montego Bay service three times a week on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This new connection is expected to bring around 45,000 visitors to Jamaica within its first year of operation.
Hon. Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, celebrated the development, emphasizing how it aligns with the country’s ambitious tourism goals. “We have managed this industry to world-class standards, doubling our arrivals in Jamaica over the last eight years. Even after facing the most existential threat to humanity with COVID, we have bounced back to 4.3 million visitors and US$4.5 billion in earnings,” Bartlett remarked, highlighting the country’s resilience and growth in tourism despite global challenges.
The South American market has long been viewed as a major opportunity for Jamaica, and this new service is expected to further cement the island’s position as a top destination for South American travelers. “The South American market represents the next frontier for Jamaica’s tourism growth,” Bartlett continued. “Through LATAM’s Lima hub and our ongoing discussions with other carriers, we are positioning Jamaica to become the number one Caribbean destination for South American visitors.”
The new route is not only a win for Jamaica but also for the broader Caribbean tourism industry. Donovan White, Director of Tourism, expressed his excitement about the long-term benefits of the connection. “This air connectivity represents more than just a new route it’s a gateway to the entire South American region, with a combined population of over 700 million people. Through LATAM’s extensive network from Lima, Jamaica becomes more accessible to millions of potential visitors,” White explained.
To celebrate the launch, both Lima and Montego Bay hosted special ceremonies, bringing together government officials, tourism professionals, and aviation experts from both countries. These events marked the beginning of what is expected to be a flourishing partnership between LATAM Airlines, Jamaica, and the broader Latin American market.
The service’s success is expected to build momentum, with plans already in place to increase the frequency to daily flights by summer 2025. This expansion would cater to the growing demand and further enhance Jamaica’s profile as a prime destination for South American tourists.
With the strong backing of LATAM Airlines and Jamaica’s proactive tourism strategy, the resumption of this route is poised to be a game-changer, attracting more visitors and fostering deeper cultural and economic ties between the two regions. As the world continues to recover from the pandemic, this development signals a bright future for international tourism in both Jamaica and South America.
