PORT OF SPAIN – The state-owned Caribbean Airlines (CAL) says it will discontinue its services between Kingston and Montego Bay in Jamaica, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida from November 2 this year.
In a statement CAL said that due to the “continued economic challenges” affecting the Fort Lauderdale route from the airline’s two Jamaica stations, the commercial decision was made to discontinue service on these routes.
It said also that the “adjustment forms part of Caribbean Airlines’ ongoing network optimisation programme, which involves continuous evaluation of routes, to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of operations across its network.
“Following a detailed review, and after careful consideration, it was determined that current economic conditions impacting the Jamaica–Fort Lauderdale market require the airline to reallocate resources. This decision supports the company’s long-term objectives of fleet efficiency, cost management and delivering reliable service to its valued customers,” CAL said in its statement.
Last month, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar said the airline does not operate a single profitable route, and had given the management two years to get the company’s financial house in order or face the sack.
“Do you know that not one single Caribbean Airlines route is profitable, not one route is profitable, yet plane filling out every day, going and coming. Not one single route of Caribbean Airline is bringing in a profit, but we are spending millions of dollars on the airline” she said then.
CAL chief commercial officer, Martin Aeberli, said Caribbean Airlines remains steadfast in its mission to connect people and communities across the region and beyond.
“While adjustments to our schedule are sometimes necessary in response to evolving market conditions, our commitment to delivering a safe, reliable, and customer-focused service remains unchanged. We will continue to serve Jamaica and the Diaspora through other gateways within our network,” Aeberli added.
The airline said that passengers with confirmed bookings on services between Jamaica and Fort Lauderdale beyond November 1, 2025, are being contacted directly.
“They will be offered full refunds and the airline’s customer service teams are working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a seamless transition,” CAL said, extending “its sincere appreciation to customers for their understanding and continued loyalty, as the airline takes deliberate steps to strengthen its operations and enhance the overall travel experience”.
The airline said that all refunds will be automatically processed with fully paid fares being automatically refunded to customers.
It said that passengers whose return travel is or after November 2, this year, will have the value of the unused portion of their ticket automatically refunded. (CMC)
