MONTEGO BAY AIRPORT (MBJ) INFORMATION

Sangster International Airport (IATA: MBJ, ICAO: MKJS) is an international airport located 4.8 kilometers east of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Desarrollo De Concessiones Aeroportuarias S.A. (DCA) owns the airport while MBJ Airports Limited manages it.

In 2003, the Airports Authority of Jamaica handed over Montego Bay Airport to the consortium with a 30-year concession agreement, privatizing the airport. It was named in honor of the former Jamaican Prime Minister Sir Donald Sangster.

Both domestic and international flights are available at the airport, including seasonal flights to different destinations. It also caters to visiting non-commercial flights.

Current records show international flights to and from Havana, Holguin, Toronto - Pearson, Montreal - Trudeau, Charlotte, Dallas - Fort Worth, Miami, New York- JFK, Philadelphia, Panama City - Tocumen, Atlanta, Orlando, Newark, Lima, Baltimore, Chicago - Midway, Fort Lauderdale, Houston - Hobby, Birmingham, Bristol, London - Gatwick, Manchester (UK), Brussels, Amsterdam, Chicago - O’Hare, Houston - Intercontinental, and London - Heathrow.

Seasonal international routes include Calgary, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Washington - Dulles, Hamilton, Halifax, Moncton, St. John’s, Detroit, St. Louis, Moscow Sheremetyevo, Milan - Malpensa, Verona, Frankfurt, and Zurich.

Domestic flights for passengers departing from Sangster include routes to Tinson Pen Aerodrome in Kingston, Ken Jones Aerodrome in Port Antonio, Boscobel Aerodrome in Ocho Rios, and Negril Aerodrome in Negril.

Expansions and upgrades were being implemented since 2001, halting and pushing through as the economic conditions changed.

Recently, the surge in passenger numbers and new routes pushed for the rehabilitation of different areas in the airport, including check-in areas, aprons, taxiways, runway, duty-free offerings, and retail spaces.

With one terminal, one runway, and 18 gates, it has the capacity to serve about nine million passengers annually, making it the gateway of tourism and the most popular airport on the north coast of Jamaica.

The airport can accommodate up to 4,200 arriving and departing passengers every hour. Passengers that travel internationally makeup 95% of the total count. Jamaica has around 1.7 million annual visitors.

Paid parking is available in the airport as well as other passenger services including a lounge, baggage display monitors, customer service information counters, flight arrival, and departure information, paging services, and shuttles.

Airport functional areas include immigration, customs, Ground Transportation and Arrivals Hall, specialty retail shops, duty-free shops, and food and beverage shops.

Customer Services Representatives are available if passengers need assistance on hotel lounges, airport wayfinding, car rentals, missing items, and many more.

Sangster International Airport has an elevation of one meter above sea level and is located at 18° 30’ 13” N and 77° 54’48” W.

Arrivals, Departures and Airlines at Sangster International Airport

• See live flight arrivals information at Sangster International Airport
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• See all airlines and routes that serve Sangster International Airport

History of Sangster International Airport

Concepts for the airport were started in 1936. Four years later, the construction of the runway was completed.

The following years of construction proved to be fruitful as the airport was completed in 1947 when the rich and the famous poured into Montego Bay from around the globe to see one of the Caribbean's premier vacation spots.

In 2001, expansions to the airport commenced. Phase 1A was completed in March 2004 where 6 boarding bridges at gates 1-6 were installed.

During this time, expansions were made for the Ground Transportation Hall, Customs Hall, and Baggage Claim Area.

Phase 1B was completed by December 2005 which included the construction of a hold room concourse to the east of the terminal, a new aircraft parking position, and a supporting taxiway, as well as the expansion of fuel hydrants, and a public address system, and computer security system.

By February 2009, Phase 2 of the expansions and upgrades was completed. The construction of the Arrivals Hall extension to the South Concourse, and the Landside Pavilion structure were parts of the construction phase.

It also included the renovation of the existing Customs Hall into a new Immigration Hall, the West Concourse in the existing terminal, and the expansion of the check-in hall.

By the end of the three phases of expansions and airport upgrades, the Air Terminal Building has doubled in size to over 4,300 square meters.

There are 12 additional loading bridges and gates that were built, bringing the total to 18. The apron area increased by 46%, as 20% was added to parking positions.

Among the Customer Service facilities improved were the expanded Arrivals and Customs Hall, a larger Baggage Claim Area, added parking spaces, new ground transportation facilities, more retail spaces, and more check-in counters.

Plans to expand the runway to 3,000 meters to accommodate larger planes were put to a halt in 2012. However, other future upgrades and expansions for the relocation of the tower, domestic terminal, and others are in place.

In March 2020, 12 million dollars were invested into the construction of a retail space of 2,700 square meters in area. This includes a 12-meter high rotunda and the renovation of a space with an area of 4,000 square meters, giving way to 15 retail shops.

The expansions increased passenger circulation and airport capacity to about nine million per annum.

A total of $287M have been invested in the airport’s infrastructure improvements for the past 18 years.

World Travel Awards recognizes the welcoming, safe, and efficient transportation hub as the Caribbean’s Leading Airport for the past 13 years.

Transfer Services at Sangster International Airport

Transfer services or tour operators are located in the Ground Transportation and Arrivals Hall.

Currently, there are about 29 transfer or tour operators for passengers to choose from, some with pre-booked associations and destinations.

Passengers are advised to seek guidance only from a designated customer services representative to ensure secure transactions with legitimate transfer or tours operators.

Transfer or tour operators assist passengers in planning their travels through packed services that include booking hotels, airport transfers, meals, sightseeing, and other transportation components.

Rental Car Services at Sangster International Airport

Passengers exiting customs can access car rental companies in the Ground Transportation and Arrivals Hall. There are around nine car rental companies to choose from.

Rental cars are assigned their own parking slots, which you can access once you exit the Arrivals Hall. Please confirm the parking slot location with your car rental representatives.

You can book rental services in advance online using a credit card or debit card.

When you get to the Arrivals Hall, present your passport, voucher, valid driving license, and credit card at the rental counter.

It is important to check the terms and conditions of the rental company. Some may not accept debit cards, certain credit cards, and licenses that have not been used for three years.

On the last day of rental, make sure you have enough time to reach the designated facility for returning the vehicle. You may call the rental company if you need to confirm the return location.

Check that you have removed all your bags and personal effects from the vehicle before finally handing over the keys back to the rental company. See and compare all rental car companies at Sangster International Airport.

Please confirm the rates from the car rental companies as the daily rental cost will depend on the capacity and type of vehicle.

Ride Shares at Sangster International Airport

Make sure to check which rideshare companies currently operate in Jamaica. You may contact airport Customer Service Representatives at +1 876-952-2712, extension 2829.

RideShare apps can be downloaded and installed on mobile devices with internet connectivity. Passengers arriving and flying out can book a ride from and to the airport.

The fare depends on the distance between the destination and the origin.

Taxis at Sangster International Airport

There are three different types of taxis at Sangster International Airport, namely, Ordinary, Route, and Chartered.

Ordinary taxi cabs, also known to locals as “Red-Plates,” have a red license plate and can charge as much as $10 per ride.

Route taxis have a set destination, which is written on the side door. The fare for getting to Downtown Montego Bay from the airport is $1.

Chartered taxi cabs, also known to locals as tours taxis, offer various services, including tour packages. The fare depends on the destination and chosen service. See more information about taxis at Sangster International Airport.

Ordinary and route taxis can be taken from the taxi stands outside the Arrivals Hall.

Chartered taxis can be arranged from the Authorized Airport Taxi desk outside the Customs exit.

For all types of taxis, make sure to establish the price with the driver before getting in.

Ferries at Sangster International Airport

The nearest port to Sangster International Airport is located in Doctor’s Cave Beach, which is 3 kilometers or 4 minutes away via car or taxi cab.

A taxi cab will charge $6 to $8 for a one-way trip.

If you are heading to the airport from the cruise port, take Gloucester Ave, turn right at Sunset Blvd, and take the first exit at the roundabout to get to MBJ. More information about ferry services to and from various ports in and around Montego Bay in Jamaica.

Buses at Sangster International Airport

There are three types of buses that serve the airport, namely, municipal buses, Knutsford Express, and mini-buses.

Airport bus terminals are located in the Ground Transportation and Arrivals Hall, near the on-site gas station.

Municipal buses are regulated by Montego Bay Metro. The regular fare is less than $1.

The three routes, Greenwood to City Center, Sandy Bay to City Center, and Cambridge to City Center, all serve the airport.

Knutsford Express has three routes. More information about buses to and from Sangster International Airport.

Take the Montego Bay to Kingston route for $19, the Montego Bay to Ocho Rios route for $14, and the Montego Bay to Negril route for $12.

Passengers with many bags can ride comfortably in a Knutsford Express Bus.

Mini-buses, also called coasters, serve the whole island. Confirm the fare with the driver before riding the mini-bus

Passengers will have to wait for the mini-bus to be full before getting on the road. Mini-buses can get crowded during peak hours.

Hotel Shuttle Services at Sangster International Airport

There are many hotels in Jamaica for tourists to choose from. Check with your chosen hotel for their shuttle services.

Some hotels charge for shuttle services to and from the airport, while some do not.

At the airport, Hotel Shuttles park in the coaches’ area outside the Arrivals Hall.

Parking at Sangster International Airport

Airport parking can be found at the ground level with a capacity of 750 vehicles.

Parking rates are affordable at $1 for the first hour or a fraction thereof.

The next hours will cost $1 per hour but if parking exceeds three hours, the parking fee will be $4 for a maximum total parking duration of 24 hours.

The succeeding 24 hours or a fraction thereof will cost another $4. See more information about short and long term parking at Sangster International Airport.

Respectively, only pick-ups and drop-offs are allowed on the curb outside the Arrivals and on the drop-off zone in the Departure area

Other Services at Sangster International Airport

Wi-Fi at Sangster International Airport

“Digicel” is the network provider of the airport’s free WiFi services.

Passengers can log in to the network from the mezzanine floor of the terminal. Wi-Fi-enabled locations are near Gates 4, 13, and 14.

ATMs at Sangster International Airport

Sangster International Airport has ATMs operated by NCB (National Commercial Bank) in the Departure Area and Arrivals Hall, near the Information Desk.

Currency Exchange at Sangster International Airport

Currency exchange is available on the Ground Floor, in the Arrivals Hall near the Information Desk, Arrivals Immigration, and Departures Area.

A currency exchange office is on the Mezzanine floor between two souvenir shops near Gates 9 and 8.

The exchange offices at MBJ accept different currencies, including Jamaican Dollars, United States Dollars, Canadian Dollars, British Pounds, Euros, Cayman Islands Dollars, Barbadian Dollars, Swiss Francs, Japanese Yen, Trinidad and Tobago Dollars, and East Caribbean Dollars.

Traveler’s cheques are also accepted in currencies, including United States Dollars, Canadian dollars, British Pounds, Euros, Swiss Francs, and Japanese Yen.

Nursing Stations at Sangster International Airport

MBJ has nursing stations on the Ground floor in the Departures Area and on the Mezzanine floor’s Ticketing Concourse.

Remember to check airport regulations about transporting breast milk.

Restrooms at Sangster International Airport

Washrooms are located on the Ground floor on each end of the International Check-in Counters lane, and in the Arrivals Hall.

Washrooms on the Mezzanine Floor are located near Gates 1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 13, and 14.

Food and Beverages at Sangster International Airport

MBJ offers a wide selection of exciting dining and shopping options for travelers.

The Caribbean setting and atmosphere are embodied in both Full Service and Quick Service dining options. Almost all food and beverage shops can be found on the Mezzanine Floor.

There are two Cocktail Lounge locations. One is on the Ground Floor in the Arrivals Hall. The other one is on the Mezzanine Floor, near Gate 9.

Shopping at Sangster International Airport

Most of the retail shops in the airport are located on the Mezzanine Floor.

Duty-Free shops can be found near the elevators and Gates 12,13, and 14.

Designer and Specialty Retail can be found near Gate 5 throughout Gates 15 and 16.

There are a few Duty-Free Shops in the Baggage Claim Hall on the Ground Floor.

For further assistance from the Departures Shopping Concourse, passengers can contact Customer Service Representatives by phone at +1 876-952-2712, extension 2833.

Smoking at Sangster International Airport

MBJ has one designated smoking lounge located near Gate 9.

Lost and Found Section at Sangster International Airport

Travelers are encouraged to report any lost or found item to the Security Center in the Arrivals Public Area. Customer Service Representatives can be reached at +1 876-684-1739.

Ticketing at Sangster International Airport

The Departure Ticketing Concourse is located on the Mezzanine Floor, near the elevators. Operating hours are 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM daily.

Cash and cheques are not accepted.

The Ticketing Concourse can be reached at +1 876-952-2712, extension 4200.

Information Desk at Sangster International Airport

Travelers are encouraged to approach Customer Service Representatives in the Information Desks for assistance or inquiries about the airport.

Information Desks are located on the Ground Floor in the Departures Lounge, Grand Transportation Hall, and Arrivals Hall.

The main Information Desk in the airport is located in the Arrivals Hall with the contact number +1 876-952-2712, extension 2829.

The Mezzanine Floor Information Desk is located in the Departure Ticketing Concourse. You may contact them at +1 876-952-2712, extension 4200.

Pet Relief at Sangster International Airport

There are no provisions for pet relief areas at MBJ. Pets are not allowed in any part of the airport.

Baggage Claim at Sangster International Airport

The Baggage Claim Hall is located on the Ground Floor when you exit the Arrivals Immigration.

In the Baggage Claim Hall, you can find a few Duty-free shops and a currency exchange office.

A Baggage Display Monitor is available to assist passengers in retrieving their luggage. Passengers can find their luggage on the baggage carousel. Free luggage carts are available for passengers.

For missing luggage, passengers can seek assistance from Baggage Handlers in the Baggage Claim Hall.

Alternatively, you can seek assistance from the Information Desk in the Arrivals Immigration Area.

You may also call the Lost and Found Customer Service in the Security Center at +1 876-684-1739.

It is recommended to use easily identifiable luggage tags when traveling.

Disabled Passengers at Sangster International Airport

Although each airline in MBJ has its own set of guidelines for assisting passengers with disabilities, the airport has several measures in place to promote and ensure the safety, comfort, and dignity of persons with special needs.

Washrooms in the airport are designed in compliance with accessibility laws, which include providing wheelchair-accessible stalls.

Passengers can also request wheelchair assistance from their respective airline counters.

Things to do in Montego Bay

There are a number of activities to suit all ages and interests in the region - see a selection of tourist activities in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Sangster International Airport Contacts

Address: Sangster International Airport (MBJ), A1, Montego Bay, Jamaica
General Phone: +1 876-952-3124
Email: shislop@mbjairport.com
Lost and Found Phone: +1 876-684-1739
Lost and Found Email: nhall@mbjairport.com
Official Website: https://www.mbjairport.com/

Local Information

Drive on: Left
Electricity: 110V/50Hz.
Plug: A, B
Currency: USD, US$, $, J$
Wi-Fi at Airport: Free Wi-Fi by “Digicel” is available in enabled locations on the Mezzanine Floor.