ST JAMES, Jamaica — The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), in partnership with Wingo Airlines, Corona and Hyatt Hotels, on Thursday welcomed two “mystery flights” from Colombia into the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, marking the beginning of a new era of connectivity between the two countries.

As part of the large-scale public relations initiative, 372 passengers travelled on simultaneous flights from Bogotá and Medellín, discovering Jamaica as their surprise destination only upon arrival.

Developed in collaboration with Wingo and Hyatt Hotels, the JTB says the programme is designed to highlight “Jamaica’s vibrant culture, breathtaking beaches and unmatched hospitality”.

The celebration set the stage for the announcement of Jamaica’s first-ever direct air service from the Latin American country.

Beginning December 18, 2025, Wingo will operate a seasonal route between Bogotá and Montego Bay, running until January 26, 2026.

Tickets are now available at wingo.com starting from US$169 each way.

“We are pleased that this partnership with Wingo and Jamaica will help our strategy to tap into more arrivals from Latin America. As we increase airlift options from this lucrative market, we will be able to chart a strong path towards our new target of eight million visitors by 2030,” said Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett.

During their stay, participants will enjoy a four-day immersive experience in Montego Bay, featuring accommodations at Secrets St James by Hyatt and an exclusive full-day adventure at Chukka Ocean Outpost at Sandy Bay, along with unique brand activations and curated activities.

The JTB said this initiative reinforces Jamaica’s position as a premier Caribbean destination for Colombian travellers

Jorge Jimenez, Wingo’s vice president of commercial and planning, added: “This announcement is doubly special. Not only did the mystery flights deliver an unforgettable surprise to Colombian travellers, but we are also revealing Montego Bay as our newest international route. We are proud to be the only airline offering direct flights from Bogotá to Montego Bay, opening a Caribbean paradise to Colombians in just two and a half hours.”

Colombia has become one of Jamaica’s fastest-growing source markets. Visitation from Colombia rose by 32.3 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, and in the first half of 2025 alone (January–June), arrivals grew by an additional 25.2 per cent year-over-year.

The new Wingo route is expected to further accelerate this momentum, supporting Jamaica’s strategy to diversify its markets, strengthen connectivity and enhance the visitor experience.

Philip Rose, Deputy Director of Tourism, US Sales at the Jamaica Tourist Board, delivers welcoming remarks to Colombian passengers at the historic mystery flight arrival ceremony at Sangster International Airport on October 2, 2025. (Photo: Jamaica Tourist Board)