Wingo’s mystery flight from Colombia touches down in MoBay
Published:Friday | October 3, 2025 | 12:10 AMJanet Silvera/Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
Cheers erupted inside the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, on Thursday morning as more than 370 Colombians disembarked from a “mystery flight” only to discover that their surprise destination was Jamaica.
The inaugural Wingo Airlines service, the first direct airlift from Colombia, marked a milestone for both nations and underscored the growing importance of the Latin American market to the island’s tourism industry.
Passengers described the two-and-a-half-hour journey from Bogotá and Medellín as a party in the sky.
“The flight was amazing because you didn’t know where you were going, and the surprise was wonderful,” said traveller Maritza Mantilla. “When the captain said Jamaica, everyone screamed. And when we landed, the welcome was incredible, people smiling, hugging, making us feel at home. It’s always a pleasure to come back.”
For Jorge Jiménez, commercial vice-president of Wingo, the launch was both strategic and symbolic.
“Beginning December 18, Wingo will operate two weekly flights from Bogotá to Montego Bay, on Thursdays and Sundays, bringing 186 passengers each time,” he said. “As Colombia’s leading ultra-low-cost carrier, we offer very competitive fares while opening new opportunities for Jamaicans and Colombians to connect.”
Jiménez explained that the ‘Vuelo Misterioso’, Wingo’s annual mystery flight campaign, has become one of the airline’s signature marketing tools.
“Last year it was Punta Cana. This year, Montego Bay is the star,” he said. “It’s a dynamic way to showcase the best of the Caribbean, and next year, we will expand to another exciting country.”
He noted that influencers and journalists were among the passengers, “so Colombians will see what Montego Bay is really like, its hotels, infrastructure, and hospitality”.
Philip Rose, Jamaica’s deputy director of tourism for the United States and Latin America, called the flight historic, emphasising the start of a new era of travel between Jamaica and Colombia,
“Today, we unveil one of the most exciting initiatives in Caribbean aviation, the first-ever mystery flight from Colombia to Jamaica,” he told the cheering crowd. “On behalf of the Jamaica Tourist Board, the Ministry of Tourism, and the people of Jamaica, I warmly welcome our Colombian guests. This is not just a clever marketing idea. It is the beginning of a powerful partnership between two vibrant nations bound by culture, hospitality, and the shared Caribbean spirit.”
Rose highlighted the significance of the Latin market for Jamaica’s long-term strategy.
“Latin American visitors don’t just stay in the resorts. They dine at our restaurants, shop in our stores, buy jerk chicken on the side of the road. They spread their spending across communities,” he said.
While the market share remains small, Rose was optimistic: “Within five to six years, we anticipate welcoming more than 300,000 Latin American visitors. And make no mistake, today is only the beginning.”
The excitement was just as palpable for Shane Munroe, the CEO of MBJ Airports Limited, who has long championed stronger links with South America.
“It was, perhaps, one of the most energetic arrivals we’ve ever had,” he said. “To step off a mystery flight and discover you’ve landed in Montego Bay. The joy on their faces said it all. This is only a teaser of what’s possible between our two destinations. Welcome to Montego Bay. We are thrilled to have you.”
The direct Wingo service comes as Colombia cements itself as one of Jamaica’s fastest-growing source markets. In 2024, arrivals surged by 32.3 per cent compared to 2023, and in the first half of 2025 alone (January–June), visitor numbers grew another 25.2 per cent year-over-year.
Until now, Colombians primarily reached Jamaica through Panama on Copa Airlines, which flies into both Montego Bay and Kingston. Wingo’s direct service is expected to accelerate the momentum, boosting connectivity while diversifying Jamaica’s visitor base beyond its traditional reliance on the United States.
For this inaugural trip, passengers will spend four days at Secrets St James by Hyatt, Montego Bay, with excursions to Chukka Outpost in Sandy Bay, Hanover, along with curated on-property experiences designed to showcase the island’s luxury, adventure, and cultural appeal.
As music played and visitors danced their way through the terminal, officials and travellers alike spoke of new beginnings. For Jamaica, the mystery flight was more than a tourism stunt. It was a signal of the island’s deepening ties with Latin America and its determination to expand beyond familiar markets.
Or as Rose put it: “Explore our beaches, taste authentic jerk, feel the rhythm of reggae, and experience the genuine hospitality that makes Jamaica unforgettable. We hope our Colombian friends fall in love with this island and return home as ambassadors for Jamaica.”