US$460 million for Negril airport project, advances to planning phase - Vaz
Published:Wednesday | July 2, 2025 | 6:31 PM
Transport Minister Daryl Vaz today disclosed that it is estimated to cost US$460 million to build the proposed international airport in Negril, Westmoreland, as part of the Government's plans to boost air travel and Jamaica's tourism sector.
The airport project was announced by Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness last year.
Vaz revealed that a comprehensive master plan has been completed for the development of the facility, which will be located approximately 20 minutes from Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach.
It was previously indicated that lands were identified in Little London for the airport.
The airport is expected to reshape air access.
“This airport will support tourism and drive economic activity across Westmoreland, Hanover, and sections of St James,” said Vaz.
“The project will now proceed through the Public Investment Appraisal process and is expected to be implemented through a public-private partnership,” he added.
Vaz made the announcement while addressing stakeholders at the MBJ Airports Limited Airport Forum, held at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, this morning.
Currently, travellers flying into Jamaica must land in Montego Bay and travel up to two hours by road to reach Negril.
The introduction of a purpose-built international airport in the resort town should reduce travel time, boost hotel investments, and diversify Jamaica’s airlift infrastructure.
This development forms part of a broader national strategy to decentralize air traffic and ease pressure on Sangster International, which experiences significant congestion, particularly between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. daily.
“We can’t continue to play catch-up,” Vaz stated.
“We’ve marketed the destination well, but our infrastructure must meet growing demand.”
In addition to the Negril announcement, Vaz outlined progress and plans for several key aerodromes and airport facilities across the island, including the Lionel Densham Aerodrome in St. Elizabeth, the Ken Jones Aerodrome in Port Antonio, Portland, and the Tinson Pen Aerodrome in St. Andrew.
A proposal for the acquisition and upgrade of the Lionel Densham airstrip was submitted to the Public Investment Committee, Vaz stated.
The facility would serve south-central Jamaica, with a focus on boosting tourism and supporting agriculture in the region.
As it relates to Ken Jones, the Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) has engaged consultants to evaluate whether the current site can be upgraded into an international port of entry, Vaz told stakeholders.
“If not, the Government will identify a new location. This is in response to increased interest in Portland as a tourism destination,” he explained.
Vaz confirmed that discussions are under way for the potential relocation of Tinson Pen operations to Norman Manley International Airport.
This long-discussed move remains under review, with site studies expected to be completed by September 2025.
Consultants are also evaluating alternative locations for a new domestic aerodrome to replace Tinson Pen, should relocation prove unfeasible.
“This issue has been on the table for years,” Vaz admitted.
“We’re now taking steps to move from discussion to decision.”
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