Breeze Airways Expands with 18 New Routes, Intensifies Competition with Avelo

Breeze Airways is gearing up for a major network expansion, unveiling 18 new routes and adding five new cities to its portfolio. This significant move will see the U.S.-based airline competing directly with Avelo Airlines in several markets and launching its inaugural flights to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), marking its entry into one of New York’s three major airports. Breeze currently serves Long Island MacArthur Airport, New York Stewart Airport, and Westchester County Airport (HPN) in the New York region.

Starting in the northern winter 2024-25 season, Breeze Airways will introduce four new routes from Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) in Florida and begin service to Erie, Pennsylvania; South Bend, Indiana; and Wilmington, North Carolina. Additionally, the airline will enhance its presence at Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), where it plans to establish a new base. Breeze will also expand its footprint in the Northeast by adding two new routes from HPN.

With this expansion, Breeze will offer nonstop service to 64 destinations across 30 states. This move is expected to heighten competition with Avelo Airlines, which recently announced new routes from Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Hartford to Wilmington International Airport (ILM) and DAB, as well as a new route from ILM to RSW. In response, Breeze is adding all three routes and introducing a new Wilmington-Orlando route that Avelo already serves.

Avelo Airlines also revealed plans to base a second aircraft at Wilmington Airport (ILG) in Delaware and add a new route to Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, beginning November 8, 2024. This route will operate twice a week. Flights from ILG to Daytona Beach, Palm Beach, and Sarasota-Bradenton will also resume in November.