Breeze Airways targets Florida with big 11-route expansion

Ultra-low-cost carrier Breeze Airways is turning to Florida for its latest big expansion.

The startup carrier announced 11 new routes to the Sunshine State on Tuesday, looking to lure sun-seeking leisure travelers as it grows its route map.

Breeze’s biggest expansion push comes in Fort Myers along Florida’s southern Gulf coast.

The carrier is adding nine routes from the city. Fort Myers sits along a popular strand of coastline that’s home to popular tourist hotspots like Naples and Sanibel Island. With the new routes — including nonstop flights to places like New Orleans, Pittsburgh and Columbus, Ohio — Breeze will now offer flights to 13 destinations from Fort Myers.

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Breeze’s Florida expansion also includes new nonstop routes to both Jacksonville and Vero Beach from Providence, Rhode Island.

Breeze is the brainchild of serial airline entrepreneur David Neeleman. It launched in May 2021 and has been on a rapid growth trajectory ever since. The carrier focuses on serving smaller cities with nonstop routes too “thin” to attract the attention of larger rivals that rely on a hub-and-spoke model.

The latest additions announced Tuesday will significantly increase the airline’s presence in Florida, which has long drawn leisure travelers.

Once Breeze’s new routes begin in November, the carrier will have a total of 58 nonstop routes to seven Florida destinations; other spots include Orlando, Sarasota, Tampa and West Palm Beach.

Here is a list of the new routes:

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

• Akron, Ohio: Winter/spring seasonal service begins Nov. 16 (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays). Introductory fares start at $59 one-way.
• Columbus, Ohio: Winter/spring seasonal service begins Nov. 16 (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays). Introductory fares start at $59 one-way.
• Louisville, Kentucky: Winter/spring seasonal service begins Nov. 16 (Thursdays and Sundays). Introductory fares start at $49 one-way.
• New Orleans: Winter/spring seasonal service begins Nov. 2 (Thursdays and Sundays). Introductory fares start at $49 one-way.
• Norfolk, Virginia: Winter/spring seasonal service begins Nov. 2 (Thursdays and Sundays). Introductory fares start at $49 one-way.
• Pittsburgh: Winter/spring seasonal service begins Nov. 15 (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays). Introductory fares start at $59 one-way.
• Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: Winter/spring seasonal service begins Nov. 17 (Mondays and Fridays). Introductory fares start at $39 one-way.
• Richmond, Virginia: Winter/spring seasonal service begins Nov.15 (Wednesdays and Saturdays). Introductory fares start at $49 one-way.
• Syracuse, New York: Winter/spring seasonal service begins Nov. 17 (Mondays and Fridays). Introductory fares start at $59 one-way.

Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)

• Providence: Twice-weekly service begins Nov. 3 (Mondays and Fridays). Introductory fares start at $79 one-way.

Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB)

• Providence: Winter/spring seasonal service begins Nov. 2 (Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays). Introductory fares start at $79 one-way.