Jamaica Touted as Potential Regional Hub for Flights from the Middle East

Jamaica is being touted by the Government as a potential regional hub for flight service being explored between the Middle East and the Caribbean.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith, says the Administration’s vision in this regard “is to connect more with this [Middle East] region.”

“We have strong, friendly and vibrant diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). We think that there are lots of opportunities to be [derived] if we were able to leverage direct flights from the Middle East, possibly from Dubai, which could allow Jamaica to serve as a hub for the region,” the Minister said.

She was speaking during a media interview at EXPO2020 Dubai on Friday (February 18).

Senator Johnson Smith said Jamaica’s central location and aviation connectivity gives the country a comparative advantage for consideration as a hub.

“We have 220 gateways into the United States of America (USA), we’re connected into Panama… [and] we’re connected to South and Central America. [So] there’s so much more that’s possible,” she pointed out.

Senator Johnson Smith noted that Jamaica’s trade agreements with the USA, United Kingdom (UK) and European Union (EU) also present opportunities for prospective transshipment, light manufacturing, export and re-export activities with the Middle Eastern cities and territories, including Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, utilising the country’s special economic zones.

Coupled with this, she added, “we have the seventh largest natural harbour in the world, and we can accept post-Panamax vessels because we have created a fantastic port and harbour ecosystem.”