Jamaica’s Junior Tourism Minister, Delano Seiveright, has announced that direct flights between Montego Bay and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will commence on April 1, 2025. The development has sparked interest, particularly among Dubai-based promoters who have long faced challenges bringing Jamaican artists to the Middle East.
For years, Jamaican performers traveling to the UAE had to route through the U.S. or Europe, often facing visa complications and higher costs. Promoters see this new route as a game-changer. Kenya Don, organizer of the annual Reggae Beach Fest, which brings reggae and dancehall acts to Dubai, welcomed the move.
“Those that we always have trouble bringing out here who can’t go through the U.S. will now have a flight,” he said.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) consistently ranks as the world’s busiest international airport, offering extensive connections across Asia and Africa. Kenya Don sees the route’s broader potential, stating, “The market is opening up—it’s also a good flight for those going to Africa.”
Controversy Over Flight Details
Despite excitement from the entertainment industry, the flight announcement has faced scrutiny. Critics argue that the details of the route remain unclear—specifically whether flights will operate as direct non-stop services or have stopovers in Europe.
Opposition spokesperson Janice Allen accused Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett of falsely implying Emirates Airline would offer nonstop flights. She called the government’s framing of the deal “disingenuous” and demanded a correction, noting that Condor, a German airline, is involved in the agreement.
Seiveright dismissed the allegations, citing an official Emirates application for a scheduled service between Dubai and Montego Bay via Frankfurt, starting April 2025.
“The Opposition is entitled to scrutiny, but it is unfortunate that recent assertions disregard the official public record and mislead the public on a matter of national significance,” he stated.
Clarifying the deal, he added, “At no time did we state that Emirates would fly nonstop to Jamaica. The record speaks for itself. This is a legitimate scheduled airlift application by Emirates, part of our broader strategy to expand global connectivity.”
Seiveright also highlighted the government’s ongoing airlift expansion efforts, emphasizing, “These are not hypotheticals. These are facts, flights, and figures—backed by applications, agreements, and passenger traffic.”
Schengen Visa Requirements for Jamaicans
While the new route aims to improve access to the Middle East and Africa, Jamaican travelers must still navigate existing Schengen visa rules when transiting through Europe. Currently, Jamaican nationals require a Schengen visafor short stays (up to 90 days) in any of the 29 Schengen countries. Travelers must apply for a visa from the country where they will spend the majority of their trip.
