KANSAS CITY- MBJ Airports Limited (MBJ) celebrated the first flight of Southwest Airlines (WN) from Kansas City (MCI), Missouri, USA, to Montego Bay (MBJ), Jamaica, on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
The inaugural flight from Kansas City touched down at Sangster International Airport at 4:35 PM, with a total of 114 passengers and a six-person crew. To extend a warm welcome, a local Mento Band provided entertaining music.

Southwest Kansas City to Montego Bay
Greeting the flight were notable figures, including the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Councillor Richard Vernon, CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, Shane Munroe, and Regional Director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Odette Dyer.
In a special message, Honourable Daryl Vaz, MP, Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications, and Transport, expressed his warm and heartfelt welcome to the passengers on Southwest Airlines’ inaugural flight from Kansas City to Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
This new flight signifies a significant advancement in improving air connectivity, convenience, and travel opportunities for visitors from various locations coming to Jamaica.
The introduction of this flight is expected to fortify tourism relations, stimulate economic growth, and enhance the aviation sector within the ever-evolving global context.
The Ministry is eager to witness the positive impact Southwest Airlines will undoubtedly bring to the nation’s aviation industry.
This new flight service will operate weekly on Saturdays throughout winter, creating a convenient and dependable link between the central United States and the pristine Montego Bay shoreline.

CEO Insights
Shane Munroe, the CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, expressed his enthusiasm regarding this development, stating,
“Montego Bay Airports Limited is delighted to expand our network with Southwest Airlines and improve connectivity between Kansas City and the Caribbean with the commencement of this new flight to Montego Bay in October.”
Munroe also emphasized that the addition of this new flight by Southwest Airlines signifies strategic enhancements that broaden travel choices for passengers en route to Jamaica.
Audley Deidrick, CEO and President of the Airports Authority of Jamaica, mentioned, “This exciting partnership between Montego Bay Airports Limited and Southwest Airlines represents a significant milestone in air travel between Kansas City and Montego Bay. We eagerly anticipate welcoming travelers and facilitating greater accessibility to this beautiful destination.”
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