Breeze Airways Seeks To Lure Canadians Across Border For Florida Flights

Startup Breeze Airways is opening up two new routes between U.S. northeast cities and Florida, and is seeking to draw Canadians across the border for flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO).

From Nov. 15, the carrier will start service between Portland International Jetport (PWM) in Maine and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, Florida. The route will be seasonal, operating 2X-weekly through the spring. Breeze already operates from PWM to MCO and Tampa International Airport.

From Nov. 28, Breeze will open year-round service between Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) in New York and MCO. Flights will operated 2X-weekly. Breeze points out that PBG is located around 70 mi. from Montreal. 

“Plattsburgh becomes our fourth airport in New York state, but the first with a large international appeal,” Breeze President Tom Doxey says in a statement. “Montreal is just over the border, and we expect to attract many Canadian travelers, keen to drive to Plattsburgh for cheaper fares.”  

Doxey adds that Breeze expects “to add several more routes in the near future” from PBG.

Breeze says its 2023-24 winter schedule will feature triple the flights to Florida compared to the previous winter. In winter 2022-23, Breeze operated 492 flights to and from Florida. The airline plans to operate 1,402 flights to and from Florida for the upcoming winter season.

Breeze serves seven destinations in Florida, operating flights to the state from 19 U.S. cities. 

The airline, which currently only operates domestic flights, says PBG’s proximity to Montreal makes Breeze service “appealing to international travelers,” adding, “Montreal residents have long crossed the border to secure lower air fares.”

Breeze operates a mix of Airbus A220 aircraft and Embraer 190/195 aircraft.