Sangster International Airport

Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is not just the air gateway to Montego Bay, but the true epicentre of tourism in Jamaica. As one of the busiest and most modern airports in the Caribbean, it serves as the main arrival point for travellers from around the globe heading to the famous resorts of the island's north coast. The airport is named after Sir Donald Sangster, the country's second Prime Minister, and surrounds guests with an atmosphere of Jamaican hospitality from the very first minute. Its convenient location allows you to quickly begin your Caribbean adventure.

Airport Features and Benefits

Sangster Airport is designed for maximum tourist comfort. Immediately upon arrival, passengers can utilise the services of numerous transfer operators, car rental counters, and currency exchange bureaus. In the departure hall, a wide selection of Duty Free shops and souvenir stalls awaits you, as well as various cafes and restaurants where you can taste authentic Jamaican cuisine before departure. For those who value enhanced comfort, the Club Mobay VIP lounge operates, offering expedited security clearance and exclusive services.

A distinctive feature of the airport is its proximity to major tourist zones — not only to Montego Bay, but also to the popular resorts of Negril and Ocho Rios, which are easily accessible. Efficient organisation and friendly staff, including the famous "Red Caps" porters ready to assist with luggage, make the stay at the airport pleasant and help to start or finish your Jamaican adventure without unnecessary worry.

For your convenience, we have compiled the main contact information for Sangster International Airport (MBJ).

• Official Website: www.mbjairport.com
• Information Desk Phone: +1 (876) 952-3124
• Address: Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica
• Email: info@mbjairport.com
• Social Media: You can follow airport news on the official pages on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter).
• Lost and Found Information: Important! If your luggage was lost during the flight, you should contact your airline's representative office directly. For items left within the airport terminal, please contact airport security.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For enquiries and assistance with general questions, it is recommended to use the main telephone number or email address.

Sangster International Airport (MBJ) is conveniently located near the key tourist areas of Montego Bay, so getting there is straightforward. The choice of transport across Jamaica will depend on your comfort preferences, budget, and starting point.

Taxis and Private Transfers

The most comfortable and popular way to reach the airport is by taxi or pre-booked transfer. Official tourist taxis operate in the city, easily recognised by their red number plates (with JUTA or JCAL logos). Important tip: always agree on the price before the trip or ensure the driver uses a taximeter. Transfer services are also offered by many hotels — this is convenient and reliable, although it may be slightly more expensive.

• Travel Time: From central Montego Bay or the popular Hip Strip area, the journey will take 10–20 minutes. The trip from the resorts of Negril or Ocho Rios will take approximately 1.5–2 hours.
• Estimated Cost: A trip from nearby areas will cost between 15–30 USD. Transfers from distant resorts will cost significantly more.

Car Rental

If you have been travelling around the island in a rental car, you can easily return it at the rental company's office directly at the airport. Signs to the airport are clearly visible on main roads. Do not forget the main feature of driving in Jamaica — here traffic moves on the left side. Short-term parking is provided for those seeing passengers off.

Public Transport

The most budget-friendly method is local route taxis and mini-buses. This option is suitable for experienced travellers travelling light, as it requires an understanding of local routes and can be inconvenient with large luggage. There is no direct bus service to the airport terminal, so be sure to check trip details and costs with the driver before boarding the vehicle.

Airport Parking

Both short-term and long-term parking options are available at Sangster Airport. Short-term parking is convenient for drop-offs and pick-ups, while long-term parking offers more favourable rates for those leaving their vehicle for several days or more.

Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay (MBJ) is a modern and convenient airport which, essentially, consists of one large terminal. This structure significantly simplifies navigation for travellers. The terminal is clearly divided into two main functional zones: departures and arrivals. They are logically connected but have separate passenger flows, making movement through the airport intuitive. You will not have to worry about transferring between different buildings — all key services and facilities are under one roof.

The departure zone is a spacious and well-organised complex. Upon entering the building, you find yourself in the general hall where the check-in counters of numerous airlines are located. After check-in and baggage drop, passengers proceed to pre-flight security screening. Security procedures at MBJ are generally quite efficient, but during the peak tourist season (from December to April), it is strongly recommended to allow extra time. The liveliest part is the area after security. This is a large and bright hall with many Duty-Free shops, boutiques, souvenir stalls, as well as a large food court with restaurants serving local and international cuisine. Boarding gates and comfortable lounges are also located here.

The arrival zone is designed for the smoothest possible completion of all formalities. After disembarking from the aircraft, passengers follow signs to the immigration hall. During peak hours, with the simultaneous arrival of several international flights, queues may form here. After passing passport control, you will descend to the baggage claim hall. Having collected your suitcases, you will pass customs control and find yourself in the main arrival hall. This hall houses counters for tour operators, official taxi services, shuttles, and car rental companies, allowing you to easily organise a transfer to your hotel.

To comfortably complete all procedures before departure, it is recommended to arrive at the airport no less than 3 hours before an international flight. In quieter periods, 2-2.5 hours may be sufficient. Navigation through the terminal is extremely simple thanks to clear and understandable signs in English. Since everything is located in one building, getting lost is practically impossible. Friendly staff are always ready to help if you have any questions. Overall, the well-thought-out structure of Sangster Airport allows you to start or end your holiday in Jamaica without unnecessary stress.

The history of Sangster International Airport is the story of the transformation of a modest airfield into one of the most modern and bustling transport hubs in the Caribbean. It all began in 1947, when a small airstrip was opened on the coast of Montego Bay. Initially, the facility was named "Montego Bay Airport" and was a key project that opened the north coast of Jamaica to the first international tourists who began arriving here in search of sun and exotic experiences.

The first full-fledged terminal was built in 1959, coinciding with the growth of the resort's popularity. An important moment in history was the renaming of the airport in honour of Sir Donald Sangster, the second Prime Minister of Jamaica, following his death in 1967. This decision immortalised the memory of a politician who made a significant contribution to the country's development. The airport gradually expanded to cope with the growing flow of travellers.

A real breakthrough occurred in the early 2000s. After management was transferred to the private company MBJ Airports Limited in 2003, massive reconstruction and modernisation began. A completely new, spacious, and modern terminal was built, the runway was significantly extended to accommodate wide-body aircraft, and all infrastructure was improved. These changes turned the airport into a modern complex capable of serving millions of passengers a year at the highest level.

Today, Sangster International Airport is regularly recognised as one of the best in the Caribbean region, receiving prestigious World Travel Awards. It serves not only as a point of arrival and departure but is also an important part of the travel experience, offering passengers comfortable waiting lounges, shops, and restaurants. An interesting fact: thanks to its location right by the sea, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the turquoise Caribbean waters during takeoff and landing.

Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay offers passengers a wide range of services and amenities to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Whether you are arriving in Jamaica or flying home, you will find everything you need here.

For those wishing to have a snack or do some shopping, the airport operates numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can taste local cuisine, drink a cup of the famous Blue Mountain coffee, or have a quick bite at establishments of well-known global chains. Duty-free shops feature a large selection of beverages, perfumes, and tobacco products, while souvenir stalls offer handmade items, local specialities, and other Jamaican goods.

The Club Mobay VIP service deserves special attention. These are exclusive lounges, access to which can be purchased in advance or obtained with a Priority Pass card. Guests are offered expedited pre-flight formalities, unlimited snacks and beverages, comfortable relaxation zones, showers, and even spa services. This is an excellent way to relax away from the noise of the main terminal.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous sockets and special stations are provided for charging gadgets. If you need to handle financial matters, ATMs and currency exchange bureaus are at your service, where you can exchange money for Jamaican dollars upon arrival or before departure.

The airport is well-equipped for travellers with special needs. For passengers with children, there are nursing rooms with changing tables. Travellers with reduced mobility can use ramps, special restrooms, and request an assistance service from their airline. In case of unforeseen situations, a medical centre is operating at the airport, ready to provide first aid.

If you need to rest between flights, several hotels to suit any taste and budget are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport. For business travellers, VIP lounges provide business centres with workstations, computers, and the possibility of holding small meetings, allowing efficient use of time before departure.

At Sangster International Airport (MBJ) in Montego Bay, you will find a multitude of options for a snack or a full meal that will satisfy any taste and budget. The airport's gastronomic scene pleasantly surprises with a combination of world-famous chains and authentic Jamaican establishments, allowing travellers to enjoy their final moments on the island.

For those wishing to try local cuisine, it is highly recommended to visit Island Grill. This is a popular Jamaican fast-food chain serving famous "Jerk" chicken and meat specialities, rice and beans, and other Caribbean dishes. This is an excellent choice for a hearty lunch. Another mandatory item on the programme is Jamaican "patties". They can be found at Tastee Patties or Juici Patties kiosks. This is an ideal and inexpensive option for a quick snack before departure.

If you prefer something more familiar, international chains such as Burger King, Wendy’s, and Domino's Pizza also operate at the airport. For coffee lovers, there is Starbucks, as well as local coffee shops where you can try the famous Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Most establishments are located in the main departure zone, airside, that is, after passing passport control and security screening. In the arrival zone and before security control (landside), the choice is significantly more modest.

For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to the famous Margaritaville. Here you can order a tropical beverage or a local Red Stripe, enjoying views of the runway. This place is perfect for those who have time before their flight. The opening hours of most restaurants and cafes are tied to the flight schedule; they open early in the morning and close after the departure of the last evening flight.

Regarding prices, as in most airports around the world, they are higher than the city average. For travellers with special dietary needs, many establishments offer salads, fresh fruits, and sandwiches. In some cafes, you can find vegetarian versions of local dishes, such as vegetable patties. It is recommended to check the ingredients with staff if you have strict dietary restrictions.

To ensure your journey through the main airport of Montego Bay goes as smoothly as possible, take advantage of our tips. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before the departure of an international flight. During the peak tourist season, queues for check-in and screening can be quite long, so a buffer of extra time is useful.

To save time, complete online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. This will allow you to head straight to the baggage drop counter or, if you are travelling light, to the security screening zone. Sangster Airport is known for its queues, so consider using a VIP service such as Club Mobay, which offers expedited passage through all formalities.

When choosing a seat on a plane departing from Jamaica, a window seat can gift you farewell views of the picturesque coastline. An aisle seat is more convenient if you need to get up during the flight. Standard hand luggage rules apply here too: liquids in containers of no more than 100 ml must be packed in a transparent bag. This also applies to famous Jamaican beverages — large bottles can be purchased in Duty Free after passing screening or packed in checked luggage.

When passing customs control upon arrival, you will need to complete a special C5 form. Be prepared to honestly declare all goods you are bringing in. For passengers with transfers, it is important to follow signs for "Transit" / "Connections". Depending on your route and airline, you may need to undergo security screening again.

To save money, consider buying souvenirs and local specialities outside the airport, where prices are usually lower. Having a meal is also more economical before arriving at the airport. In case of a flight delay, the terminal has several restaurants, shops, and paid lounge areas where you can spend time comfortably. Always keep important documents, medication, and essentials in your hand luggage, not in checked baggage.