On Wednesday, June 15, 2022, the Ian Flemming International Airport in Boscobel, St. Mary received its first commercial flight. The airport saw the arrival of Inter-Caribbean Airways from Turks and Caicos. The flight that came with 30 passengers on board, signals the emerging growth of the parish. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett was among several officials and stakeholders to welcome the passengers and crew.

Addressing a welcome ceremony on the airport’s grounds, Minister Bartlett says this airport will increase the region’s connectivity to Jamaica. Member of Parliament for St. Mary western, Robert Montague, says he’s anticipating an influx of business and services that the airport will take to St. Mary residents. Chairman of Inter-Caribbean Airways, Lyndon Gardiner, thanked Jamaica for embracing the airline’s services. 

He says the joint services of Jamaica, Turks and Caicos, and Inter-Caribbean Airways will lead to an increase in regional traffic. The airline is scheduled to operate monthly flights but is expected to transition to weekly service in the near future.

Reporter: Nasika Alliman