Breeze Airways Nears First International Flights After DOT Approval

Breeze Airways is preparing to launch its first scheduled international routes after receiving approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The authorization allows Breeze to operate scheduled passenger, cargo, and mail services between the U.S. and countries with open skies agreements with Washington. It also grants automatic authority to serve any future open skies nations.

Founded by JetBlue and Azul founder David Neeleman, Breeze filed for international service authorization on May 21, nearly four years after starting commercial operations. Speaking on Aviation Week’s Window Seat podcast, Neeleman said Breeze has operated international charters but is eager to begin scheduled international flights.

The airline plans to use its Airbus A220-300 fleet for these routes, aiming to start service in the winter 2025-26 season. The A220-300’s 3,000-mile range enables up to seven hours of flight time, opening routes to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean from Breeze’s Florida bases. However, longer overwater routes like Hawaii remain off-limits until the airline secures ETOPS certification.

While specific destinations have not yet been announced, Neeleman mentioned multiple possibilities across the Americas, with potential future expansion west and east as the airline grows its capabilities.

Breeze’s international expansion follows similar moves by competitor Avelo Airlines, which launched its first scheduled international route to Mexico in late 2024. Avelo now serves Cancun, Montego Bay, and Punta Cana, signaling growing competition in the low-cost U.S. international market.

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