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This year, British Airways marks 80 years of flights between Kingston and London
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To celebrate the milestone, the British High Commission hosted a special reception honouring the eight decades of connection
Kingston, October 13, 2026 – British Airways is proudly celebrating 80 years of flights between Kingston, Jamaica, and London. Since launching the route in September 1946, the airline has played a vital role in strengthening ties between Jamaica and the UK, supporting tourism and business, and connecting generations of families.
The Kingston route remains a cornerstone of British Airways' Caribbean network, serving strong demand from customers travelling to visit friends and relatives, including many multi-generational families with deep ties to both Jamaica and the UK.
To mark the milestone, British Airways held a special reception at the British High Commission, following the Sandals run on 6 October. The event was attended by local partners and British Airways colleagues past and present, including a special team of operating flight and cabin crew selected for their connection with the island.
Speaking at the event, British Airway' Director of Network Development, Rachel Riley, said: "Over the past eight decades, our flights have carried generations of families, including my very own, between Jamaica and the UK. They have enabled businesses to grow, strengthen cultural ties, and supported the movement of students, entrepreneurs, tourists, and loved ones.
“This evening is an opportunity to thank the many people who have made this 80-year journey possible: our airport partners, government stakeholders, colleagues past and present, tourism and trade partners, and of course our customers, whose loyalty and trust have sustained these services across generations.”
British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Her Excellency Alicia Herbert OBE, said:
“For 80 years, this air link has been much more than a route between Kingston and London. It has connected families, opened doors for business, tourism, and education, and strengthened the enduring bonds between Jamaica and the United Kingdom. This milestone is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that shared history, while looking ahead to the many more connections and opportunities that lie ahead. We are delighted to join British Airways in marking 80 years of connecting our two countries and our people.”
On September 2, 1946, British South American Airways (BSAA) launched its first service to Jamaica, operating twice-monthly flights between London and Kingston. Since then, the route has welcomed an extraordinary succession of aircraft, from Constellations and Stratocruisers to the iconic VC10 and Boeing 747. Today, the route remains an important part of British Airways' Caribbean network. The airline increased its Kingston service from three to four direct flights per week this summer season and will continue to operate this schedule through the winter, operated by Boeing 777 aircraft.
Customers travelling from Kingston can enjoy British Airways' renowned British service, including a choice of premium cabins, curated dining experiences and seamless connections to destinations across the airline's global network via London.
For more information and to book British Airways, visit ba.com.
ENDS
