ST JAMES, Jamaica — MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ), operator of Sangster International Airport (SIA), on Tuesday welcomed the launch of a new direct air service between Montego Bay and Medellín, Colombia, marking a significant expansion of regional connectivity and low-cost travel options for Jamaican and Colombian passengers.

The route, operated by Wingo, connects Sangster International Airport with José María Córdova International Airport and was officially inaugurated with a flight carrying 121 passengers. It is the only direct air link between Montego Bay and Medellín.

Flights will operate three times weekly— on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays— providing nearly 32,000 seats annually.

The service offers Jamaicans direct access to Medellín, one of Colombia’s most popular destinations, and the wider Antioquia region, known for its pleasant climate, rich culture, gastronomy, innovation and outdoor attractions.

“The launch of this route between Montego Bay and Medellín is a meaningful addition to our international network. Wingo brings a new cost-effective option that opens Jamaica to travellers from one of Colombia’s most vibrant cities, while giving Jamaicans direct access to Medellín’s growing appeal as a cultural and business destination,” said Shane Munroe, chief executive officer of MBJ Airports Limited.

“At Sangster International Airport, we are committed to expanding the range of routes and carriers that serve our passengers, and this partnership reflects that commitment,” he continued.

Jorge Jiménez, Wingo’s chief commercial and planning officer, said the airline is pleased to strengthen air connectivity between Jamaica and Colombia.

“Building on our existing Montego Bay-Bogotá route, we are now adding Medellín to our network, further expanding low-cost travel alternatives and strengthening the destinations we operate from Antioquia’s capital,” Jiménez said.

According to Wingo, the airline has transported more than 314,000 passengers on routes to and from Medellín so far this year, underscoring the city’s growing importance within its network.

The new service was launched with support from the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Medellín Tourism and Entertainment Secretariat, the Medellín Convention & Visitors Bureau, ProColombia and Airplan.

Luciana Alonso, representing the Jamaica Tourist Board, said the route will help deepen tourism ties between the two countries.

“We celebrate this new direct route, which brings travellers from Antioquia closer to Jamaica’s culture, music, gastronomy and unique experiences, while also opening new opportunities to strengthen tourism exchange between Jamaica and Colombia,” Alonso said.

One-way fares on the Montego Bay-Medellín route start at US$122, including taxes and fees.

Wingo aircraft on the tarmac at Sangster International Airport.

Candesa Casanova (left), visitor relations manager of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) presents a “Welcome to Jamaica” gift package to Captain Camilo Ramírez Atehortua, Wingo to commemorate the airline’s inaugural flight into Sangster International Airport on June 23.