Sangster International Airport Named Caribbean’s Leading Airport for 2026

Less than a year after Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s busiest airport cops its 18th consecutive win at the World Travel Awards

Sangster International cops Caribbean’s leading Airport Award again

Less than a year after Hurricane Melissa forced its closure, Jamaica’s Sangster International Airport (SIA) has been named Caribbean’s Leading Airport 2026 at the World Travel Awards, extending its winning streak to 18 consecutive years and bringing its total to 19 titles.

The award was presented on Sunday, October 11, at the World Travel Awards Caribbean & The Americas Gala Ceremony at Princess Grand Jamaica, just weeks before the first anniversary of the Category 5 hurricane that struck Jamaica on October 28, 2025.

“Last October, we were navigating a very challenging, life-changing period in the aftermath of the hurricane. This October, we are accepting the region's leading airport award,” said Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited. We accept this unprecedented honour with great humility, especially after being able to quickly restore the facilities and experience for passengers after Hurricane Mellissa. This is a result of the incredible collaborative work done by all members of our Team Sangster family - our team, our airlines, government agencies and the partners who stood with us.”

Shane Munroe, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited

Handling over 70% of Jamaica’s passenger traffic, SIA played a crucial role in restoring the island’s tourism industry following the storm. The airport currently serves 47 destinations through 26 airlines, with additional routes from Canada and the United States expected before the end of 2026.

Munroe also confirmed that several airport expansion and modernization projects are back on track, including upgrades to check-in facilities, immigration, security and biometric processing.

“Visitors can't return without airlift, and every flight we brought back was crucial for hotels, attractions, transport operators and small businesses,” Munroe echoed. “SIA is the main gateway to Jamaica, so reconnecting Jamaica to its markets was our first priority.”

Sharon Hislop-Holt, Manager of Commercial Business Development and Marketing at MBJ

MBJ also outlined several airport modernization projects, including expansions to the check-in area, Immigration Hall, East Concourse, parking and security facilities, alongside the introduction of biometric processing for departures. Munroe stated that all projects were back on track with the Caribbean’s Leading Airport looking to deliver the next level of excellence to its users.

Sharon Hislop-Holt, MBJ’s Manager of Commercial Business Development and Marketing, praised airport staff for their dedication, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.

“Even as staff dealt with loss or damage to their own homes, they showed up for work and made certain that every passenger who walked through our doors was cared for,” she said.

“Even as staff dealt with loss or damage to their own homes, they showed up for work and made certain that every passenger who walked through our doors was cared for”.

Beyond airport operations, the MBJ Foundation awarded J$30 million in grants to 184 students and three institutions in western Jamaica, with J$15 million earmarked for rebuilding hurricane-damaged schools.

Munroe reaffirmed the airport’s commitment to maintaining its award-winning standards while continuing to improve Jamaica’s leading international gateway.