SIA Runway Extension a Boost for Tourism, Trade

The Sangster International Airport (SIA) runway extension is being hailed as a major milestone for Jamaica’s aviation sector, enhancing safety and security, while boosting tourism and trade by attracting more flights, passengers and increased cargo flows.

The extension, which forms part of a US$70 million upgrading programme at the Montego Bay-based airport, has increased the takeoff range from 2662 meters to 3060 meters.

Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, in a speech read by Chairman of the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ), Mark Hart, at the official opening of the enlarged strip on Thursday (May 2), said the airport is now able to accommodate larger aircrafts and more flights.

“SIA plays a critical role in facilitating the transit of more than 85 per cent of tourist arrivals to the island. In 2023, the airport alone served over 5.2 million passengers, underlying its vital importance to Jamaica’s tourism and transport sectors,” Mr. Vaz noted.

He said that the runway extension, which includes enhancement of the public road and utility infrastructure, as well as initiatives for shoreline protection and coastal restoration, will strengthen Jamaica’s status and drive economic growth in the resort town.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang, in his remarks at the function, praised SIA as one of the finest airports in the Caribbean.

He emphasised the airport’s capacity to absorb long flights and help to maintain Montego Bay as a centre of tourism activities in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

Dr. Chang, who is also Member of Parliament for St. James North West, commended the AAJ and the MBJ Airport Limited team for executing the project, which will ensure a greater number of flights into the island.

For his part, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MBJ Airports Limited, Shane Munroe, said the runway extension is a “transformative endeavor that signifies a collective commitment to advancing aviation in Jamaica,” while ensuring compliance with the highest standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

“The ability to accommodate aircrafts with higher payloads and greater safety margins allows for maximizing the potential for growth in international flights,’ he pointed out.

Mr. Munroe said that the project involved local engineers and contractors, and local materials were utilised in the construction, contributing to the nation’s economy and job creation.