Site identified for new international airport in Negril

The Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) has identified a site for the country’s fourth international airport, set to be located in Negril, Westmoreland.

This announcement comes in the wake of Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness’ recent declaration to develop an international airport in the popular resort town.

Speaking at a JIS Think Tank on Tuesday, October 29, President and CEO of the AAJ, Audley Deidrick, provided details on the project’s progress. He explained that the government directed the AAJ to assess the feasibility of upgrading the Negril Aerodrome into an international facility. To this end, consultants were engaged to draft a comprehensive master plan.

“We engaged consultants to do the necessary studies and out of those studies it has emerged that the present aerodrome is not suitable for development of a major international airport, taking flights using aircraft the size of a Boeing 737, which is now the most common aircraft utilised by airlines for transport,” Mr. Deidrick stated.

In light of these findings, the consultants identified an alternative site within close proximity—15 to 20 minutes from Negril’s main tourism hub and the iconic seven-mile beach. According to Mr. Deidrick, this strategic location is poised to support tourism growth and reduce pressure on Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport.

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“This is to alleviate the challenges that tourists flying into Montego Bay face getting into Negril, a long journey which, at times, can become longer depending on traffic and road conditions,” he noted.

The AAJ President emphasized the potential economic benefits, highlighting how the new facility could stimulate growth across western Jamaica. “In addition to catering to tourism traffic for the Negril facilities and properties, we posit that an airport in that part of Jamaica will also open up the western part of Jamaica to various forms of further economic development,” Mr. Deidrick said.

He also pointed out the airport’s potential to serve residents in nearby parishes. “It could also be an alternative for persons in the parishes of St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover and even parts of St. James,” he explained.

Mr. Deidrick expressed optimism about the project’s future, noting, “That’s the power of that airport as we see it, and when that time comes and the Government gives the necessary approval to move into the construction phase, I am pretty certain that Jamaica will be happy to hear that announcement.”

Plans for the new international airport aim to bolster tourism and ease travel within the region, marking a significant step in enhancing Jamaica’s infrastructure and supporting its economic development.