Breeze Airways launched its inaugural flight from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport on Friday morning. The new service will provide flights from Springfield to Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA) twice per week.
"We are so excited to welcome Breeze Airways to Springfield and looking forward to the inaugural flight to Orlando. This marks the beginning of a valuable partnership that will enhance travel options for both our business and vacation travelers," said Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher.
Breeze began service in May 2021 and has been ranked as one of the U.S.' best domestic airlines for the last two years by Travel + Leisure magazine's World's Best Awards (#2 in 2022 and #4 in 2023).
Frank J. Vala, Chair of the Springfield Airport Board of Commissioners, said, "We are thrilled to welcome Breeze Airways to Springfield's Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport! We are grateful for Breeze Airways choosing SPI to be their first airport in Illinois to launch service." Chair Vala continued, "This is an exciting time that brings tremendous opportunities for Springfield, Sangamon County, and the entire Central Illinois region. We are very excited to be only airport in downstate Illinois currently offering passengers non-stop direct flights into both Tampa (TPA) and Orlando (MCO) International Airports."
The discount airline plans to offer service on Mondays and Fridays to and from Tampa and Orlando with round-trip fares starting at $59 plus taxes and fees.
Andy Van Meter, Sangamon County Board Chair commented, "This is an exciting new partnership for our community. We are ready to take Breeze any direction it is going."
Breeze offers a mix of more than 150 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes between 45 cities in 26 states. Founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, Breeze operates a fleet of Embraer 190/195 and Airbus A220-300 aircraft, focusing on providing efficient and affordable flights between secondary airports, bypassing hubs for shorter travel times.
Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance Board Chair Ed Curtis remarked on how the new air service will grow the economy of the region, "To help our community thrive and grow, we need the citizens of central Illinois to have air service to exciting and desirable destinations. The flights on Breeze Airways to Orlando and Tampa, Florida, certainly satisfy that need. We are grateful for Breeze Airways' commitment to and investment in Springfield."
"Today Breeze officially arrives in Springfield – just in time for winter with two nonstop routes to Florida," said Breeze Airways President Tom Doxey. "We're looking forward to welcoming Springfield residents aboard our brand-new Airbus A220 aircraft and introducing them to our low fares and Seriously Nice policies like free family seating and no change or cancellation fees."