Breeze Airways, the scrappy premium-leisure carrier that has brought affordable and comfortable travel to many secondary and underserved markets in the United States — and which has just achieved its first quarterly net profit — is ready to spread its wings and fly internationally to three tropical destinations, after receiving the US Federal Aviation Administration’s blessing.
The Airbus A220 operator is “the first airline in more than 10 years to undergo this rigorous evaluation process,” Breeze says of the U.S. flag carrier certification.
In tandem, the airline has started to sell tickets to three key sunspots — Cancun, Mexico (CUN); Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ); and Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) — and says it will establish a new crew base in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU) to support the expansion.
Breeze currently employs more than 2,000 team members nationwide, and it expects its new base in Raleigh will bring more than 200 pilot, flight attendant, and maintenance roles to the community.
Subject to government approval, which is expected in advance of service-debut, Breeze will launch seasonal flights to Cancun from Norfolk, Virginia on 10 January 2026; from Charleston, South Carolina on 17 January; from New Orleans, Louisiana on 7 February; and from Providence, Rhode Island on 14 February.
Breeze will also link its RDU base with Punta Cana, Dominican Republic starting on 4 March and Montego Bay, Jamaica on 5 March, whilst service from Tampa, Florida to Montego Bay is slated to begin on 11 February.
As to why Breeze chose these three cities as its first international destinations, a spokesperson for the airline tells RGN: “While there are many factors we consider when determining where we’ll fly next, it ultimately comes down to which opportunities make the most sense for our business model.
“For this announcement, that meant identifying opportunities to bring convenient international service to airports that have never had international flights, like Norfolk, as well as identifying desirable destinations that are currently unserved or underserved from these communities.”
In terms of passenger experience, Breeze says, “Guests onboard these new international flights will enjoy the same great experience they love about our domestic flights, including fast onboard Wi-Fi, first class and extra legroom seat options, and beverage and snack options (including free alcohol in Ascent) to name a few.
“In the meantime, we’re continuing to evaluate ways to further enhance our guests’ experience and will share more detail about those plans in the future.”
The passenger experience aboard Breeze’s two-class A220s is certainly resonating with guests. The airline posted its first full operating profit in the fourth quarter of 2024, and achieved its first net profit during the second quarter 2025, as first reported by Crankyflier.
What does Breeze attribute this net profit to? “Our unique approach to affordable air travel — one that combines convenience with high-value options like premium seating and inflight Wi-Fi — has struck a chord with travelers in the communities we serve, and we see it not just in our financials, but in the increasing number of repeat guests and bundles and upgrades purchased after the first flight. It’s evidence that our model not only works, but also is increasingly desirable among travelers,” says the spokesperson.
For David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze, becoming a U.S. flag carrier is “a huge milestone” for the airline “and one that our team members have been working tirelessly on for the last three years.”
He adds, “We’re excited to bring the same convenience and elevated experience they love about our domestic flights to three exciting new international destinations.”
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