
Breeze Airways is set to embark on its first international journeys, announcing a significant expansion with seven new routes to Mexico and the Caribbean. This move marks a major milestone for the startup airline, which aims to offer warm-weather escapes during the winter months. The expansion will connect several U.S. cities to popular destinations like Cancun, Montego Bay, and Punta Cana.
Key Takeaways
- Breeze Airways has received regulatory approval for international service.
- Seven new routes will launch to Mexico and the Caribbean.
- Destinations include Cancun, Montego Bay, and Punta Cana.
- Flights are primarily seasonal, targeting winter travel.
- Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) will become a crew base in 2026.
International Route Expansion
Breeze Airways will introduce a total of seven new international routes, primarily operating seasonally during the colder months. Four U.S. cities will gain direct access to Cancun, Mexico: Charleston, South Carolina; New Orleans; Norfolk, Virginia; and Providence, Rhode Island. Additionally, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) in North Carolina will see new service to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Tampa, Florida, will also offer direct flights to Montego Bay.
The new international routes and their launch details are as follows:
- Charleston (CHS) to Cancun (CUN): Starting January 17, once weekly on Saturdays (seasonal).
- Norfolk (ORF) to Cancun (CUN): Starting January 10, once weekly on Saturdays (seasonal).
- Providence (PVD) to Cancun (CUN): Starting February 14, once weekly on Saturdays (seasonal).
- New Orleans (MSY) to Cancun (CUN): Starting February 7, once weekly on Saturdays (seasonal).
- Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Montego Bay (MBJ): Starting March 5, twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays (seasonal).
- Raleigh-Durham (RDU) to Punta Cana (PUJ): Starting March 4, twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays (seasonal).
- Tampa (TPA) to Montego Bay (MBJ): Starting February 11, twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Raleigh-Durham Becomes a Crew Base
North Carolina’s Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is set to become a significant hub for Breeze Airways, with the airline announcing it will establish an official crew base there in early 2026. This move is expected to bring approximately 200 pilot and flight attendant jobs to the region. RDU is already a busy airport for Breeze, with the airline operating over two dozen routes from the location.
Future International Growth
This initial seven-route expansion is seen as just the beginning for Breeze Airways’ international ambitions. Having recently secured flag carrier status from the U.S. Department of Transportation, the airline plans to further develop its international network using its growing fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft. Breeze aims to leverage its existing East Coast bases to connect passengers to popular international destinations.
Onboard Experience
Breeze Airways, founded by JetBlue founder David Neeleman, will utilize its Airbus A220 aircraft for these international flights. The A220s offer a range of seating options, including first-class-style recliners, extra-legroom seats, and standard coach seats. The airline provides four fare tiers: No Flex, Nice, Nicer, and Nicest, catering to different passenger needs and budgets, with options for seat selection, baggage, and premium seating.