KINGSTON, Jamaica — World2Fly made aviation history on Wednesday as its inaugural direct flight from Lisbon touched down at the Sangster International Airport (SIA), establishing the first-ever non-stop connection between Portugal and Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The 10-hour flight took off from the Humberto Delgado Airport and landed at Sangster International Airport with 358 passengers and crew. This new route marks a massive step in the airline’s commitment to bringing Portuguese travellers closer to long-haul holiday destinations.

World2Fly Airline, the airline of World2Meet (W2M) — the travel division of the Iberostar Group, will operate one flight a week, every Wednesday until October 1, 2025. The connection will be operated with an Airbus A330-300 with a seating capacity of 388, ensuring a comfortable and efficient flight experience for all passengers.

These flights are offered as part of Newblue’s holiday programmes, a tour operator within the W2M group. The packages provide an opportunity to explore the essence of Jamaica, namely dream beaches, lush nature, vibrant culture, and an excellent selection of hotels.

Bruno Claeys, managing director of World2Fly, stated: “The launch of this new route between Lisbon and Montego Bay reinforces our will to continue to grow in the Portuguese market and to offer our customers direct connections to dream destinations. We are committed to a travel experience that is comfortable, efficient and adapted to the profile of the holiday traveller, and Jamaica, undoubtedly, is an alluring proposal for those seeking adventure, relaxation and exoticism.”

Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett said, “We are delighted to welcome World2Fly’s inaugural flight connecting Lisbon directly to our beautiful Montego Bay. This historic flight marks a new chapter in the relationship between Portugal and Jamaica, opening our doors to Portuguese and European travellers seeking an authentic Caribbean experience.”

He continued, “Jamaica offers Portuguese visitors everything they desire in a tropical destination— pristine beaches, a rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and unforgettable experiences. With World2Fly’s commitment to affordable fares and a convenient weekly service, we have made it easier than ever before for Portuguese families and travellers to discover why Jamaica is truly ‘Out of Many, One People.”

“We look forward to welcoming more than 6,000 visitors from continental Europe through this partnership, and we are excited about the potential to further expand this collaboration in the coming years. Jamaica is ready to show Portuguese travellers why we remain the leading destination in the Caribbean,” Bartlett added.