Breeze Airways, the trailblazing low-cost airline known for reshaping domestic air travel, is set to relaunch a highly anticipated nonstop route from Tampa International Airport (TPA) to Charleston, West Virginia beginning October 3. This marks the 30th nonstop route departing from TPA, further cementing Breeze’s position as a major player in Tampa’s airspace.
Tampa: The Birthplace of Breeze Airways
It’s no coincidence that Breeze chose Tampa as its original city. The airline’s founder and CEO, David Neeleman, shared his excitement:
“Tampa is the original Breeze city, and we are excited to be bringing back this route to the capital city of West Virginia,”
With affordability, convenience, and premium leisure travel at the heart of its offering, Breeze Airways continues to win over passengers seeking a no-fuss, enjoyable flight experience. The return of this route is a nod to strong customer demand and the enduring connection between Tampa and Charleston.
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Why Charleston? Why Now?
According to Lukas Johnson, Chief Commercial Officer of Breeze, the demand from passengers at both ends of this route made its return an easy decision.
“It’s planned to be a year-round route,” Johnson noted. “When it’s hot in the summer, Tampa is the point of origin… When it’s colder, people in Charleston are going to be looking to get down to the heat in Florida.”
This seasonal travel pattern showcases the route’s versatility—whether escaping the Florida heat or chasing the southern sunshine in winter, Breeze is bridging the gap.
Breeze’s Rapid Ascent in Tampa
Since launching in May 2021, Breeze Airways has made waves by focusing on underserved destinations, operating a mix of more than 300 year-round and seasonal routes across 72 cities in 32 states. As of June, Breeze stood as the eighth-largest airline at Tampa International Airport, claiming 2.23% of the market share and ranking third in total destinations.
TPA CEO Michael Stephens praised Breeze for its impactful presence:
“Breeze has continued to be an incredible partner in providing connectivity to underserved destinations.”
In 2024, Tampa International Airport ranked fourth in total Breeze pass-through traffic, signaling the strategic importance of the city in the airline’s broader network.
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An Airline Rising in a Challenging Industry
While many airlines grapple with declining passenger traffic, post-pandemic turbulence, and even bankruptcy, Breeze is expanding. Its growth strategy, which targets underserved and mid-sized markets, stands out in an industry known for consolidation and retrenchment.
Where others are cutting routes, Breeze is opening new doors—offering reliability, value, and direct connections where they matter most. That’s not just smart business, it’s smart travel.
What This Means for Travelers
For Floridians, the mountains of West Virginia just got a whole lot closer. And for residents of Charleston, sunny weekends in Tampa Bay are only a short flight away. Breeze’s return to this route gives travelers:
- Affordable fares without hidden fees
- Nonstop flights that save time
- Access to unique destinations outside the traditional airline network
The timing couldn’t be better as people seek more convenient travel options that fit within tighter budgets and tighter schedules.
What’s Next for Breeze?
With continued investment in customer service, a growing fleet, and new point-to-point routes, Breeze Airways is poised to become a household name for domestic flyers. The airline’s commitment to growth, even as others downsize, suggests this is just the beginning.
Watch this space—TPA could see even more new destinations on the horizon. And if Breeze continues this momentum, it might not be long before we’re hearing about their first international routes.
Ready for Takeoff?
Breeze is doing more than flying; it’s redefining regional air travel. Whether you’re planning a getaway to the mountains or a weekend in the sun, this new route gives you more ways to explore—with less hassle and more comfort.
So, what’s your next destination? Maybe it’s closer than you think—with Breeze.
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