It was almost the night before Christmas

In 2016, when Caribbean Flights – a provider of private jets flying to the region – conducted its last survey, Jamaica didn’t even merit a mere mention in the top 15 Caribbean airports for luxury aircraft. If we’re lucky, that seems to be changing soon.

Demonstrating its potential as a magnet for celebrities and high-profile visitors, the jet-setters, Jamaica attracted 18 private jets in one day to fly into Montego Bay’s Sangster International Airport on December 23, 2024, almost the night before Christmas.

“The VIP Attractions Lounge at both Kingston Norman Manley and Montego Bay Sangster are fully booked and air traffic controllers are all on duty due to the heavy air traffic,” he said Jamaica Information Service (JIS) reported.

The more private jets land at an airport, the more it is seen as a sign of an island’s prestige, especially for marketing it as a tourist destination.

Caribbean Flights, which takes care of all the details of private flying such as in-flight catering, ground transportation, hotel accommodation and the like, has ranked the 15 best airports in the region for Caribbean charter flights. Jamaica wasn’t even a blip on the radar.

In order of importance, the top 10 were Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, San Juan, Puerto Rico, with 1,799 flights; Princess Juliana International Airport, St. Maarten – 1,586 flights; Cyril E King Airport, U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Thomas – 1,284 flights; LF Wade International Airport, Bermuda – 931 flights; Luis Ribas Dominicci Airport, San Juan, Puerto Rico – 835 flights; Clayton J Lloyd International Airport, Anguilla – 670 flights; Terrance B Lettsome International Airport, British Virgin Islands – 511 flights; Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados – 487 flights; VC Bird International, Antigua and Barbuda – 486 flights; and Henry E. Rohlsen Airport, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – 419 flights.

These celebrities are often looking for a haven to escape the bitter cold of the northern climes in winter and do not need to own their own jet as private jet rentals are now common.

Among the jetsetters who have fallen for Jamaica’s allure in the last two years, according to Tourism Ministry’s chief adviser, Mr. Delano Seiveright, have been Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau; American musical artists Chance the Rapper and Rick Ross; and Oscar winner Michael Douglas and his wife Catherine Zeta-Jones.

Over the years, others have flown here to splash in the island’s warm blue waters, including Mick Jagger and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones; Mr. Denzel Washington; Mr. Eddie Murphy; Prince Harry and wife Meghan Markle; Jay-Z and wife Beyoncé; Mr. Tom Cruise; Mr. Rick Moranis; Mr Peter O’Toole; and Jamaica’s own wife, Sheryl Lee Ralph.

Jamaica has proven to be an unbeatable idyllic retreat where stars can escape the spotlight and enjoy quality time with their families and friends, offering them the privacy they crave, especially away from the prying cameras of the paparazzi.

In addition, the island offers a rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty and pristine beaches. The birthplace of reggae music and home to the legendary Bob Marley, it offers authentic culinary delights and is known for its warm and hospitable people.

Given all this, who wouldn’t want to come here?