Breeze Airways celebrates its fifth anniversary at TPA

Five years ago, a brand-new airline took off from Tampa International Airport, bringing a refreshing and exciting partner to TPA's nonstop destination offerings just as people were returning to air travel in the wake of the pandemic.

Breeze Airways launched its very first flight from TPA to Charleston, S.C., on May 27, 2021, kicking off founder and CEO David Neeleman's vision of an airline that would provide quality customer service with low costs. Breeze was Neeleman's fifth airline start-up, after JetBlue, Brazil's Azul, Canada's WestJet, and Utah-based Morris Air, which was later purchased by Southwest Airlines.

What began as an ambitious launch has turned into one of TPA's greatest airline partner success stories.

Breeze has carried more than 2 million passengers through America's Favorite Airport and boasts 37 nonstop destinations across the country from Tampa Bay. The airline is now TPA's second-largest carrier in terms of destinations served.

These days, Breeze is looking beyond the United States and setting its sights on the Caribbean and Central America. By the end of this year, the airline will operate five international routes from Tampa, including TPA's first-ever nonstop flights to San Jose, Costa Rica, along with new service to Cancun, Mexico; Montego Bay, Jamaica; Nassau, Bahamas; and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

Breeze is also beginning TPA's first-ever nonstop service to St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands in December.

This expansion marks a major leap forward for both Breeze and Tampa Bay travelers. It opens the door to more sunny beaches, fresh adventures and easy flights to see friends and family.

"Breeze has become such a strong partner for Tampa International and for our community," said TPA's Director of Air Service Development Alex Heiter. "They've helped open new doors for travelers, and their expansion into international routes shows the confidence they have in this market."

Neeleman set out to make air travel "Seriously Nice" - Breeze's slogan - by offering affordable, convenient service between cities that were often overlooked and underserved. The airline's continued investment in Tampa Bay shows that mission in action and reflects just how much passengers have embraced the Breeze experience. To book a flight with Breeze, go to https://www.flybreeze.com

To look back at photos and video from Breeze's first day at TPA in 2021, click below.