You can now fly straight from Florida’s Gulf Coast to two of the Caribbean’s most in-demand destinations — without a connection, and without a high price tag. That’s the move behind Breeze Airways’ latest expansion, one that continues to reshape how travelers reach the Caribbean and Central America.
The premium leisure carrier has announced two new international nonstop routes from Tampa International Airport, adding Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and San José, Costa Rica to its growing network. It’s a notable step for an airline that has quickly positioned itself around underserved routes and point-to-point flying.
The New Routes from Tampa
The first route launches this summer, with nonstop service to Punta Cana beginning July 2. Flights will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays, with introductory fares starting at $129 one way.
A second route follows in the fall: San José, Costa Rica, beginning Oct. 3, with flights operating Wednesdays and Saturdays, also starting at $129 one way.
San José is particularly significant for Tampa. The airport has not had nonstop service to Costa Rica’s capital in more than 25 years, making this a return of a long-missing connection for the region.
Together, the two routes double Breeze’s international footprint from Tampa.
A Fast-Growing International Push
The announcement marks Breeze’s fifth international destination since the airline received certification as a U.S. flag carrier from the Federal Aviation Administration last year.
That certification opened the door for broader expansion beyond domestic routes. Since then, Breeze has been steadily adding destinations across Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean — all while maintaining its core model: nonstop service between cities that typically require a connection.
Today, the airline’s network includes more than 300 nonstop routes across 87 cities.
Why This Matters for Travelers
What makes this expansion notable isn’t just the destinations — it’s the departure point.
Most nonstop Caribbean and Central America service still concentrates in major hubs like Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Tampa has historically had fewer direct options, especially for international leisure travel.
You can now leave from Tampa and land directly in Punta Cana’s resort corridor or Costa Rica’s Central Valleywithout routing through South Florida or another hub. That cuts travel time, removes connection risk, and opens up easier access for travelers across Florida’s Gulf Coast and beyond.
Entry fares starting at $129 position Breeze squarely in the affordable leisure segment, particularly for routes that often carry higher average fares due to limited competition.
The Breeze Experience
Breeze continues to lean on a hybrid model: low-cost structure with a more elevated onboard product.
Flights are operated on Airbus A220-300 aircraft, one of the newest narrow-body planes in the market, with a quieter cabin and a more comfortable layout than older aircraft typically used on similar routes.
The airline’s offering includes free family seating, onboard WiFi, and flexible change policies, along with upgraded seating options for travelers who want more space.
That combination — newer aircraft, nonstop routes, and relatively low fares — has become a defining part of Breeze’s identity.
What It Means for Tampa
For Tampa International Airport, the announcement is a meaningful expansion of its international reach.
Adding Punta Cana strengthens ties to one of the Caribbean’s most consistently popular destinations, particularly for all-inclusive travel. The return of San José introduces a different kind of trip — one centered on rainforests, volcanoes, and eco-lodges — that hasn’t been directly accessible from Tampa in decades.
It also signals growing confidence from airlines in Tampa as an international departure point, not just a domestic airport.
My Take
This is exactly the kind of route development that’s quietly reshaping Caribbean travel.
Instead of forcing travelers through a handful of major gateways, airlines like Breeze are building direct links from secondary cities — places like Tampa — straight to leisure destinations. It’s something pioneered by airlines like Frontier, Allegiant and Sun Country, and one that continues to take hold.
The Punta Cana flight feels like a natural fit: strong demand, clear resort-driven traffic, and year-round appeal — and a destination that keeps adding major new resorts, including the trio coming soon from Lopesan.
San José is the more interesting play. It signals that airlines see growing appetite for Central America from U.S. leisure travelers who want something beyond the traditional beach resort trip.
The bigger picture is access. When you make it easier — and cheaper — to get somewhere, you expand the market. Travelers who might have skipped a trip because of a connection or a higher fare now have a direct, affordable option.
Caitlin Sullivan
2026-03-19 23:11:00