Breeze Airways is preparing for a major expansion of its international network, launching seven new international routes between September 2026 and March 2027. The additions will strengthen the airline’s presence in popular leisure markets while giving travelers from several U.S. cities more nonstop options to destinations across Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America.
The new services have been announced individually over recent months, but together they represent one of Breeze Airways’ largest international growth moves since the airline began operations. All seven routes will be operated using the carrier’s Airbus A220 fleet, marking a shift toward larger and more premium-capable aircraft for international flying.
Unlike Breeze’s smaller Embraer E190 aircraft, the Airbus A220 provides increased capacity and an upgraded passenger experience. The A220 can accommodate 137 passengers, compared with 108 seats on the E190, and features Breeze’s premium Breeze Ascent cabin. This section includes 12 seats arranged in a comfortable 2-2 configuration at the front of the aircraft before transitioning into the standard 3-2 economy layout.
Tampa Becomes a Major Launch Point for Breeze International Growth
Among the seven new international routes, Tampa International Airport (TPA) will receive the largest share of expansion, with three new services scheduled to begin. Breeze will first launch flights between Tampa and San José, Costa Rica, starting October 3, 2026.
The new Tampa–San José route will operate twice weekly, providing travelers with a direct connection to Costa Rica’s capital and surrounding tourism regions. The service reflects Breeze’s strategy of connecting underserved city pairs rather than competing directly on already crowded routes.
Two additional Tampa routes will begin on December 19, 2026, connecting the Florida airport with Cancún, Mexico, and Montego Bay, Jamaica. Both routes are scheduled to operate twice weekly, adding more seasonal vacation options for travelers seeking Caribbean destinations.
Michael Stephens, CEO of Tampa International Airport, highlighted the importance of the new routes, noting that they will provide passengers with more opportunities to experience destinations throughout Latin America and the Caribbean.
Pittsburgh and Richmond Receive New Caribbean Connections
Breeze Airways will also expand its international presence from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) with two new seasonal routes. Starting January 7, 2027, the airline will launch flights to both Cancún and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
These routes are scheduled to operate three times per week and will continue through March 23. The addition gives Pittsburgh travelers more nonstop leisure options during the peak winter travel season, when demand for warm-weather destinations typically increases.
Richmond International Airport (RIC) will also benefit from Breeze’s expansion with a new route to Cancún. Beginning January 8, 2027, the service will operate twice weekly through March 22.
The Richmond–Cancún route will cover approximately 1,271 miles (2,045 kilometers) with a scheduled block time of about three hours and 46 minutes. For regional airports, routes like this demonstrate Breeze’s focus on providing nonstop international travel without requiring passengers to connect through major airline hubs.
Columbus Joins Breeze’s Growing International Network
The final addition in Breeze Airways’ seven-route expansion will depart from John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH). Beginning January 8, 2027, the airline will introduce twice-weekly flights between Columbus and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The seasonal service will operate until March 22, with passengers expecting flight times of approximately four hours. The route adds another leisure destination for travelers in central Ohio and continues Breeze’s approach of linking smaller markets directly with popular vacation destinations.
International Flying Remains a Small Part of Breeze Airways’ Network
Although these seven routes represent important international growth, Breeze Airways’ overall operation remains heavily focused on domestic flying. The airline’s international footprint is still relatively small compared with its extensive U.S. network.
In December 2026, Breeze is scheduled to operate around 68 international departures, while its domestic schedule includes approximately 8,476 flights during the same month. Across 2026, the airline plans roughly 85,024 domestic flights compared with only 394 international flights.
The contrast highlights Breeze’s current business model: building a large domestic network while selectively adding international leisure routes where demand is strong. Rather than pursuing a broad global network, the airline continues to focus on unique nonstop connections from secondary U.S. airports.
One of Breeze’s busiest international markets in late 2026 will remain the route between Tampa and Nassau, Bahamas, where Airbus A220 aircraft are scheduled to operate multiple weekly flights.
Breeze Airways’ Airbus A220 Strategy Drives Expansion
The introduction of these seven routes shows how the Airbus A220 has become central to Breeze Airways’ growth plans. The aircraft combines improved range, passenger comfort, and operating efficiency, making it suitable for both domestic flights and short international journeys.
As Breeze continues transitioning toward a larger A220-based fleet, the airline is positioned to expand its seasonal international network while maintaining its focus on affordable nonstop travel from underserved U.S. cities.
