Sangster International Airport (SIA), in Montego Bay, St James, is in the midst of a sweeping transformation that will see more than US$180 million in infrastructure upgrades between 2026 and 2030, as it prepares for a projected surge in passenger traffic through 2034.
Shane Munroe, the airport’s chief executive officer (CEO), detailed the ambitious roadmap during a recent presentation, spotlighting a series of major enhancements already under way and others to come onstream, all aimed at making Jamaica’s busiest airport a world-class hub for travel and tourism.
“We are building for the future of Jamaican tourism,” said Munroe, noting that the projects are aligned with the country’s hotel boom and growing airlift demand. “The vision is to deliver seamless, secure, and emotionally resonant travel experiences from the moment passengers arrive to the moment they depart.”
A major focus of the modernisation is on biometric boarding, smart kiosks and off-site check-in options, with Munroe confirming that partnerships are already in place with major United States airlines. These technologies will benefit departing passengers later this year.
“We’ve already installed the biometric gates at the departure lounges. The next step is commissioning the self-service bag-drop kiosks,” he added, calling the shift part of the airport’s ‘digital revolution’.”
The airport is also improving its Wi-Fi connectivity, upgrading HVAC systems, and modernising baggage handling and security screening systems to match international standards.
In response to the island’s hotel construction boom, aimed at adding over 10,000 new rooms, Munroe confirmed a significant expansion of both the East Concourse and immigration halls, including the addition of 15 new passenger facilitation points and extended processing areas.
He also revealed that transportation infrastructure will be overhauled, including a new western access road, reorganized curbside traffic flow, and a relocated commercial transportation hub.
Munroe emphasised that passenger comfort on the ground is just as important. New food and beverage outlets, solar-covered canopies, stretching from the departures to arrivals area, and hotel-branded lounges will soon become part of the airport’s evolving landscape.
In line with sustainability goals, SIA is increasing its use of renewable energy, with solar installations expected to power over 50 per cent of the facility’s consumption. The airport has already commissioned premium solar storage infrastructure.
Munroe said that Sangster’s transformation is not only physical, but cultural. A Customer Experience (CX) Excellence programme is in full swing, recognising outstanding service providers, airlines, ground handlers, retail staff, security personnel, and janitors alike.
“We want every touchpoint to reflect the warmth of Jamaica,” he said. “We don’t just serve passengers. We serve every emotion, every lasting impression.”
With a vision of handling increased flight loads, particularly between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the airport’s peak window, Munroe said the East Concourse extension will include four new gates and additional screening areas.
Munroe closed by acknowledging the collective effort of MBJ Airports Limited, government agencies, and the broader Montego Bay tourism sector in realising this transformation.
“We are not just preparing for growth. We are preparing to welcome the world, with efficiency, pride, and Jamaican hospitality at its best.”