Spirit Airlines is launching the only nonstop service between Connecticut and Jamaica, Caribbean Journal has learned. 

The low-cost carrier is kicking off nonstop service between Hartford’s Bradley International Airport and Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay. 

“Spirit Airlines is excited to launch our first ever international flight from Bradley International Airport. We sincerely appreciate our partnership with the airport and the opportunities to grow since launching service in 2017,” said John Kirby, Spirit Airlines Vice President of Network Planning. “We have tremendous teams both here in Connecticut and in Montego Bay and have proudly served Jamaica since 2005. We can’t wait to provide our Guests with More Go.”

The year-round service will be operating four times each week. The flights will launch on Dec. 15, 2022, according to the company. 

“We have pursued nonstop Jamaica service at Bradley International Airport for years now in an effort to meet our community’s needs, and we are proud to finally make it a reality with Spirit’s partnership,” said Kevin A. Dillon, Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “I have no doubt that this service will be successful.”

It’s another boost for Jamaica’s tourism industry, which is nearing a “full recovery” from the impact of the pandemic.

Last month, the island reported that it had recovered 90 percent of its tourism numbers compared to the same period in 2019. 

Earlier this year, the island lifted all of its health protocols, meaning no testing or vaccination requirements for visitors. 

“We welcome Spirit Airlines’ new service from Connecticut to Montego Bay, which will commence just in time for the start of the 2022-23 Winter Tourist Season,” said Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett. “This is a welcome addition to our airlift arrangements as we continue our drive to further boost the flow of US visitors to Jamaica through the addition of new gateways and greater seat support. Our tourism sector is rebounding at a very brisk pace, with record arrivals and greater visitor spend. So, this new service will also help to enhance these numbers and will increase arrivals into our tourism Mecca, Montego Bay. Furthermore, Connecticut has a vibrant Jamaican diaspora and on the flip side many Jamaicans trek to Connecticut for business and family engagements, they will all no doubt fully utilize this convenient service.”

For more, visit Spirit Airlines.