Breeze Airways has officially announced its expansion into international service, with the first flights scheduled for early 2026. The airline will introduce seasonal routes to three popular leisure destinations: Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, pending final government approvals.
This move marks a significant milestone for the airline, which was founded in 2021. The expansion will be supported by a new crew base in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, and will utilize the carrier's Airbus A220-300 fleet for all international operations.
Key Takeaways
- International Launch: Breeze Airways will begin its first international flights in the first quarter of 2026.
- New Destinations: Initial routes will connect U.S. cities with Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
- Aircraft: All international services will be operated using the Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
- New Crew Base: A new base will open at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) to support the expansion, creating approximately 200 jobs.
A New Chapter for Breeze Airways
Founded by JetBlue creator David Neeleman, Breeze Airways has primarily focused on connecting underserved domestic markets since its launch. The airline reports that approximately 85% of its routes operate without direct competition. The upcoming international service represents the next phase of its growth strategy.
Earlier this year, the airline secured approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) to operate flights to countries under Open Skies agreements. This certification was a critical step, making Breeze the first sizable U.S. passenger airline to achieve this status since Virgin America.
“Becoming a US flag carrier is a huge milestone for Breeze, and one that our Team Members have been working tirelessly on for the last three years,” said David Neeleman. “We’re excited to bring the same convenience and elevated experience they love about our domestic flights to three exciting new international destinations.”
The expansion is a strategic move to capture the high-demand leisure travel market in the Caribbean and Mexico, leveraging the efficiency of its modern aircraft fleet.
Background on Breeze Airways
Since its inception in 2021, Breeze Airways has built a domestic network of over 80 destinations. Its business model centers on providing non-stop service between secondary airports and city pairs that previously lacked direct connections, offering travelers more convenient options.
Detailed Route and Schedule Information
The new international flights are scheduled to begin in January 2026 and will be operated on a seasonal basis. The airline will use its Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which are configured with 137 seats, for these routes.
Service to Cancun, Mexico (CUN)
Breeze will offer once-weekly Saturday service to Cancun from four U.S. cities:
- From Norfolk, VA (ORF): Starting January 10, 2026
- From Charleston, SC (CHS): Starting January 17, 2026
- From New Orleans, LA (MSY): Starting February 7, 2026
- From Providence, RI (PVD): Starting February 14, 2026
Service to the Caribbean
The airline will also introduce twice-weekly flights to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
- From Tampa, FL (TPA) to Montego Bay (MBJ): Starts February 11, 2026 (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
- From Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) to Punta Cana (PUJ): Starts March 4, 2026 (Wednesdays and Saturdays)
- From Raleigh-Durham, NC (RDU) to Montego Bay (MBJ): Starts March 5, 2026 (Thursdays and Sundays)
Aircraft Details: Airbus A220-300
The Airbus A220-300 has a range of approximately 3,000 miles, making it suitable for flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, and parts of Central and South America. Its fuel efficiency is a key factor in the airline's ability to operate these new leisure-focused routes.
Strategic Growth and Market Competition
To facilitate its international operations, Breeze will establish a new crew base at Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) in the first quarter of 2026. This will be the airline's 12th base nationwide and is expected to employ around 200 pilots and flight attendants.
While Breeze often targets routes without direct competitors, it will face some competition in these new markets. The airline will be the exclusive operator on its routes to Cancun from Norfolk, Charleston, and Providence, as well as the Tampa to Montego Bay service.
However, on the New Orleans to Cancun route, Spirit Airlines is projected to offer significant capacity in February 2026. Southwest Airlines also operates this route seasonally.
Competition from Raleigh-Durham
From its new RDU base, Breeze will enter markets previously served by other carriers. According to industry data:
- RDU to Montego Bay: Avelo Airlines previously operated this route but will suspend it before Breeze's launch, leaving Breeze as the sole carrier.
- RDU to Punta Cana: Avelo and American Airlines have both served this route. However, both are expected to exit the market before Breeze begins its service in March 2026.
This timing suggests a strategic entry by Breeze into markets with proven demand but no direct competition at the time of launch.
Future International Ambitions
The initial launch to Mexico and the Caribbean may be just the beginning of Breeze's international presence. Founder David Neeleman has indicated that the A220's range could support future services to destinations in Central and South America.
Longer-haul flights, such as to Hawaii, would require Extended Range Operation with Two-Engine Airplanes (ETOPS) certification, a more complex regulatory approval that the airline has not yet pursued. For now, the focus remains on successfully launching its first set of international leisure routes in 2026.
