Airlines requesting payment from government for empty seats on flights to Jamaica

A number of airlines have reportedly been requesting payment from the government for empty seats on flights into Jamaica.

The disclosure was made by Minister without Portfolio in the National Security Ministry, Senator Matthew Samuda this afternoon while responding to questions from opposition senator Damion Crawford.

Senator Samuda said discussions are ongoing between the airlines and the government regarding seat support, but no payment has so far been made.

“I’m aware that we’ve had such requests and I’m aware that negotiations are underway. I am not aware of any of those negotiations at this time being concluded, so we’ve made no commitment yet at this stage for such support,” he asserted.

Senator Samuda said such payments might not be necessary, given the increasing number of persons applying to come to Jamaica.

Senator Samuda said Jamaica is now averaging 10 flights a day.

He says more airlines have signalled that they are ready to resume flying to the island.

In the meantime, Senator Samuda says more than 13,800 people have been approved for travel to Jamaica under the controlled re-entry programme.

6898 of those persons have so far entered the country under the programme.