
JetBlue is significantly expanding its operations at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), introducing a host of new and returning international destinations. This strategic move, which includes adding Cali, Colombia as an all-new destination for the airline, underscores JetBlue’s commitment to strengthening its presence in South Florida.
Key Takeaways
- JetBlue is launching nine new and returning routes from Fort Lauderdale.
- The expansion includes new international destinations like Cali, Colombia, and Liberia, Costa Rica.
- The airline is increasing flight offerings on nine additional domestic and international routes.
- This expansion appears to target routes where competitor Spirit Airlines has a strong presence.
New and Returning Routes from Fort Lauderdale
JetBlue is set to reintroduce several routes that were previously flown from FLL, alongside introducing destinations it has never served from the airport. The expansion includes:
- Cali, Colombia (CLO): An all-new destination for JetBlue, with the launch date yet to be announced.
- Aruba (AUA): Service resumes on December 4th, operating three times weekly. Last flown regularly in 2022.
- Cartagena, Colombia (CTG): Resumes on December 4th with four weekly flights. Last flown in 2022.
- Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM): Service restarts on December 4th, with three weekly flights. Last flown in 2022.
- Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR): A new route offering daily service, commencing December 4th.
- New Orleans (MSY): Flights resume on November 1st, with twice-daily service. Last flown in 2024.
- Pittsburgh (PIT): Service restarts on November 1st, offering daily flights. Last flown in 2021.
- San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP): A new route with four weekly flights, launching December 4th.
- St. Maarten (SXM): Service resumes on December 4th, operating four times weekly. Last flown in 2022.
Bolstering Existing Service
In addition to these new and returning routes, JetBlue will also increase its flight frequencies on nine other routes. These bolstered services will connect Fort Lauderdale with:
- Atlanta
- Boston
- Cancun
- Hartford
- Kingston, Jamaica
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- San Jose, Costa Rica
- San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
Strategic Market Positioning
This expansion at FLL is part of a broader strategy by JetBlue to double down on the airport as a key hub, especially after reducing operations in other parts of the country in 2024. Notably, 16 of the 18 new, returning, or boosted routes overlap with those served by Spirit Airlines. This move comes as Spirit Airlines faces financial challenges, including Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and airline partnerships, Dave Jehn, stated, "As the top airline in Fort Lauderdale, with more departures than any other carrier on peak travel days, JetBlue is proud to keep raising the bar for customers in South Florida."
Booking with JetBlue
Customers can book these flights using JetBlue’s TrueBlue points. Flexible rewards from major programs like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One, American Express Membership Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards can also be transferred to TrueBlue accounts, offering various redemption options.
Sources
- JetBlue announces big Fort Lauderdale expansion, new destination, The Points Guy.