Caribbean Airlines Cuts U.S.-Jamaica Routes Amid Operational Strains

Caribbean Airlines announced that it will cancel all flights from Fort Lauderdale, Florida to both Montego Bay and Kingston, Jamaica, beginning November 2, 2025. These routes had only recently been reinstated after long suspensions and performed below expectations.

The airline says this decision is part of its broader optimization program, aiming to reallocate aircraft, crew, and resources to markets with stronger demand or better financial return. Underperformance on these routes reportedly made them unsustainable.

Affected passengers with bookings after November 1 will be offered refunds or travel credits. The airline has emphasized customer care and is trying to ensure smooth transitions for those impacted.

This move further reduces direct air connectivity between South Florida and key Jamaican tourist hubs, which could impact visitor flows, especially among U.S. travelers who prefer nonstop or shorter-connection flights.

Tourism stakeholders in Jamaica have expressed concern: fewer direct routes often translate to higher travel costs, which can influence vacation planning and competitiveness among Caribbean destinations.

Industry analysts view this route cancellation as symptomatic of larger pressures—airlines are under stress from high fuel prices, labor costs, and fluctuating demand, and are forced to make difficult decisions to preserve profitability.