Sangster International Airport is an international airport located 4.8 km east of Montego Bay, Jamaica. The airport has a capacity of nine million passengers per year. It serves as the most popular airport for private jet travelers visiting Jamaica’s north coast. The airport is named after former Jamaican Prime Minister Sir Donald Sangster.
The airport is operated by the management company MBJ Airports Limited, whose major shareholder is Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico and a minority stake is held by Vantage Airport Group. In 2021, a study revealed that Sangster International Airport is one of the 20 most vulnerable international airports where climate change is causing sea level rise.
Jamaica private jet charter prices
Although Sangster Airport air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Montego Bay are as follows.
| Heavy Jet | 117.700 EUR |
| Long Range Jet | 137.850 EUR |
| VIP Airliner | 186.250 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
Montego Bay Airport history
Sangster International Airport was first identified in 1936 as a suitable location to build an airport in the town of Montego Bay. Construction began in 1940 and was completed on February 18, 1947. The airport was a small aerodrome operated by Pan American Airways until 1949. The Jamaican government then took over control. The airport was updated several times due to increased air traffic over time and the terminal building was moved from north to south. In 1955 plans for the construction of a new terminal building were announced and completed in 1959. The new terminal building was a facility with a capacity of 500 passengers per hour and parking for seven aircraft. The town of Montego Bay became a destination for the rich and famous and the airport was, as it is today, considered one of the Caribbean’s premier vacation destinations.
Sangster International Airport has undergone a continuous updating process over the years, becoming the largest of the three international airports in Jamaica, handling approximately 3.7 million passengers annually in 2007 and showing an increase in passenger and aircraft movements in 2009. Airport management and partners tried to attract passengers from Asia, but the project stalled in 2010.
Since January 2001, plans have been in place to transform the airport into a world-class airport. The new eastern concourse of Sangster International Airport (the result of phases 1A and 1B) was officially opened in December 2005. The second phase was scheduled to start towards the end of 2006; however, as economic conditions were favorable and the tourism trade in Jamaica increased, the second phase was brought forward to January 2006.
A planned extension of the main runway was in preparation, but due to poor economic conditions the runway extension project was halted indefinitely in 2012. This expansion would have provided the airport with a fully functional 3,000-meter-long runway that can also accommodate large aircraft. MBJ Airports Limited launched a number of new projects in March 2007, including a new customs hall, arrival lobby and transportation hub. Since then, further expansion and renovation projects, such as the relocation of the immigration hall and duty-free shops, have been initiated and were completed in September 2008. This increased processing capacity to nine million passengers per year. Plans are also in place to relocate the tower and the main terminal.
In 2006, there was a change of management at the airport after the consortium operating this facility changed. Relations between the new management and the unions have been difficult, with strikes in November 2007 and November 2009. The airport won the World Travel Awards’ “Leading Airport in the Caribbean” award in 2005 and 2009-2017.
Due to recent increases in passenger numbers and the addition of new routes, the airport consortium has undertaken a number of projects to meet growing demand. The airport will renovate the check-in area, which has been untouched since 2008, and resurface the aprons, taxiway and runway. The airport has also revamped its duty-free options and welcomed three Starbucks branches in March 2018, Starbucks’ first venture in the Jamaican market. These complement the already well-equipped airside offerings including Auntie Anne’s, Quiznos, Nathan’s, Dairy Queen, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Wendy’s. The airport announced plans in March 2018 to renovate the airport’s retail space to enhance the customer experience and optimize profits from retail activities at the airport.
Things to see in Montego Bay
Montego Bay, Jamaica’s tourism capital, is home to one of the busiest airports in the country. Sangster International Airport serves as one of the most important air traffic hubs in the Caribbean. Once you leave the airport, there are plenty of places to explore.
Montego Bay’s famous Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the main reasons why tourists around the world come here. This amazing beach is famous not only for its white sandy shore and turquoise waters, but also for its warm and mineral-rich waters. In the area where the beach is located, there are many restaurants, shops and cafes for tourists to visit.
Another place to visit in Montego Bay is the Rose Hall Great House. This historic structure was built by a British family in the 18th century and is one of Jamaica’s most famous haunted places. According to legend, the White Witch, the legendary ghost of Rose Hall, is the ghost of Annie Palmer, the former owner of Rose Hall. Here, tourists can visit the structure, listen to historical stories and buy local souvenirs.
Montego Bay is a rich tourist area that combines historical, cultural and natural beauty. Before leaving the airport, be sure to visit the attractions of this region, such as Doctor’s Cave Beach and Rose Hall Great House.
Sangster airport transportation routes
Located in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Sangster International Airport is one of the most important air transportation hubs in the Caribbean islands. There are several options to reach the airport. These include taxi, bus and private car rental.
You can find a taxi from the taxi stands located outside the airport. Taxi fares are regulated by the airport management and prices are fixed. It takes approximately 15-20 minutes to reach the city center from the airport by taxi.
There are also buses from the airport to the city center. These buses connect to the bus station in the city center and other lines to other areas. However, the buses can often be crowded and the travel time can be longer. For this reason, there is also the option of renting a private car, especially for those who want a faster and more comfortable transportation. There are many car rental companies at the airport and you can rent a car by making a reservation.
