Breeze Airways Kicks Off First International Flight From Tampa to Montego Bay, Growing Its Reach

Starting Feb. 11, Breeze Airways will launch flights between Tampa International Airport and Montego Bay, Jamaica. This marks a big step for the airline: its first trip outside U.S. borders. No other carrier has won FAA approval for international routes in the past ten years.

"We are thrilled to not only be a partner in Breeze Airways' growth since its 2021 inaugural flight at TPA, but to be among its first airports to offer international service," said Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens in a statement, per WTSP.com.

Flights will take off twice each week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Passengers can grab seats starting at $99 for the trip between Tampa and Sangster International Airport.

"Tampa was one of our original launch cities and we're excited to celebrate another first with the community as we launch our first international flights," said David Neeleman, Breeze Airways' founder and CEO.

Plans don't stop there. The airline aims to add flights to Cancún and Punta Cana from other U.S. cities. Speaking to USA TODAY, Neeleman said they picked spots with all-inclusive resorts to match weekend travel patterns.

Since its first Tampa to Charleston flight in 2021, the Utah-based carrier has grown fast. Now it runs more than 300 routes, connecting over 80 U.S. cities year-round and during peak seasons.

Within Florida, planes touch down at 11 airports. Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, and Jacksonville make the list. Last year brought nearly 20 new Florida routes.

Travelers can pick the Ascent first-class option for extra comfort. The airline skips fees for changing plans or canceling tickets, keeps families seated together, and provides Wi-Fi.

While ticket sales have started for the Tampa-Montego Bay route, final government sign-off is still pending before the February launch.