Key Takeaways
• Breeze Airways requests DOT approval to add three weekly Ogdensburg-to-Raleigh-Durham flights, shifting from Washington Dulles.
• The federal Essential Air Service subsidy remains about $8.9 million year one, $9.1 million year two, through 2026.
• Local Ogdensburg officials support the plan, anticipating more travel options and regional economic growth.
Breeze Airways Seeks DOT Approval for New Ogdensburg–Raleigh Flights
In late June 2025, Breeze Airways made a formal request to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to change its flight schedule at Ogdensburg International Airport. The airline wants to start flying three times a week from Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS) to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), shifting some of its current service away from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD). As of July 1, 2025, the DOT is still reviewing this proposal, and no final decision has been made. This possible change could have a big impact on travelers, the local community, and the future of air service in the region.
What’s Happening and Why It Matters
Breeze Airways is the current Essential Air Service (EAS) provider at Ogdensburg International Airport. The EAS program is a federal effort to make sure small communities keep air service, even if it’s not profitable for airlines without government help. Breeze took over the EAS contract at Ogdensburg in September 2024, replacing Contour Airlines. Under the current agreement, Breeze must provide daily flights to Washington D.C. (IAD), supported by a federal subsidy.
Now, Breeze wants to change things up. The airline has asked the DOT for permission to:
- Shift three of its seven weekly round-trip flights from Washington Dulles (IAD) to Raleigh-Durham (RDU)
- Keep four weekly flights to Washington D.C. (IAD)
- Start three weekly flights to Raleigh-Durham (RDU)
This proposal is not just about changing destinations. It could open up new travel options for people in the Ogdensburg area, connect them to more places in the Southeast United States 🇺🇸, and possibly bring more travelers through the airport.
The DOT is reviewing the request, and the change cannot happen until the agency gives its approval. Local leaders, including the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority (OBPA), support the plan. They believe it will help the airport grow and give the community better access to Breeze’s network.
How the Proposal Would Work
If the DOT approves the change, Breeze Airways will adjust its schedule at Ogdensburg International Airport as follows:
- Four weekly flights to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
- Three weekly flights to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
Breeze has also asked for the option to switch the three RDU flights back to IAD if needed, but there are no current plans to do so.
Importantly, this change would not affect the federal subsidy that Breeze receives under the EAS program. The subsidy will remain at about $8.9 million for the first year and $9.1 million for the second year of the contract, which runs from September 2024 to September 2026.
What Is the Essential Air Service (EAS) Program?
The EAS program is a federal initiative that began after airline deregulation in 1978. Its goal is to make sure small and rural communities keep access to the national air transportation system. Airlines that serve these communities receive government payments to cover the cost of providing flights that might not be profitable otherwise.
Breeze Airways started its EAS service at Ogdensburg in September 2024. The contract requires the airline to provide daily flights to Washington D.C. (IAD). In addition to these EAS flights, Breeze has also started seasonal, non-subsidized flights to Orlando, Florida.
For more information about the EAS program and how it works, readers can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s EAS portal.
Why Raleigh-Durham? The Benefits for Travelers
Adding Raleigh-Durham International Airport as a destination offers several benefits for travelers using Ogdensburg International Airport:
1. More Destinations and Better Connections
– Raleigh-Durham (RDU) is a major hub for Breeze Airways. From RDU, passengers can connect to over 30 other destinations on Breeze’s network, including popular cities in the Southeast and Florida.
– This means travelers from Ogdensburg can reach more places with fewer layovers and less travel time.
2. Direct Access to the Southeast United States 🇺🇸
– The new flights would give people in northern New York direct access to the Southeast, making it easier to visit family, do business, or go on vacation.
3. Continued Service to Washington D.C.
– Even with the change, Breeze will still offer four flights a week to Washington Dulles (IAD), keeping the important link to the nation’s capital.
4. Improved Travel Experience
– Breeze uses modern Airbus A220-300 aircraft, which offer three seating classes and fare bundles. Passengers can choose options that fit their needs, such as baggage, seat selection, and inflight WiFi.
5. Potential for More Passengers and Airport Growth
– More destinations could attract more travelers to Ogdensburg International Airport. If passenger numbers go up, the airport could qualify for extra federal bonuses, which would help fund further improvements.
Community and Economic Impact
The proposal has strong support from local officials and the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. They see the new flights as a way to:
- Boost the local economy: More flights can bring more visitors, which means more spending at hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- Support tourism: Easier access to and from the Southeast could make Ogdensburg a more attractive destination for tourists.
- Help local businesses: Improved air service can make it easier for local companies to connect with partners and customers in other regions.
Airport Upgrades and Future Plans
Ogdensburg International Airport is in the middle of a major $18 million renovation and expansion project. The upgrades include:
- A larger terminal building
- New amenities for travelers
- Improved security and baggage handling systems
These improvements are scheduled to be finished in 2025. The goal is to make the airport more comfortable and efficient for passengers, and to support the expected increase in traffic if the new Breeze Airways flights are approved.
Challenges and Limitations
While the proposal has many benefits, there are also some challenges to consider:
1. DOT Approval Needed
– The change cannot happen until the DOT completes its review and gives formal approval. The timeline for this decision is not set, but it could take several weeks or months.
2. No Interline Agreements
– Breeze Airways does not have interline agreements with other airlines. This means passengers who want to connect to flights on other airlines will need to book separate tickets and recheck their bags. This can make travel less convenient for some people.
3. Operational Flexibility
– Breeze has asked for the option to switch the three RDU flights back to IAD if needed. While there are no plans to do this now, it could change in the future if operational needs shift.
Step-by-Step: How the Change Would Happen
Here’s how the process works if the DOT approves Breeze Airways’ proposal:
- DOT Review: Breeze submits its request to the DOT, which opens a period for public comment.
- Community Input: Local stakeholders and the public can share their thoughts with the DOT during the review.
- DOT Decision: The DOT decides whether to approve or deny the change.
- Implementation: If approved, Breeze adjusts its flight schedule to start three weekly flights to Raleigh-Durham and four to Washington D.C.
- Public Announcement: Breeze Airways and Ogdensburg International Airport update their schedules and let the public know when the new service will begin.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Local Officials and Community Leaders
– The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority and other local leaders are in favor of the change. They believe it will help the airport grow, bring more travelers to the area, and support the local economy.
Breeze Airways
– The airline says the change will give passengers better connections and more options, all without increasing the federal subsidy. Breeze also values the flexibility to adjust its schedule if needed.
U.S. Department of Transportation
– The DOT will make its decision based on what’s best for the public, how efficiently the subsidy is used, and whether the proposal meets EAS program requirements.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next?
As of July 1, 2025, the DOT has not yet made a final decision on Breeze Airways’ proposal. The timeline for approval is unclear, but a decision is expected in the coming weeks or months. If the change is approved, it could lead to:
- More destinations: Success with the Raleigh-Durham flights could encourage Breeze to add more routes from Ogdensburg in the future.
- Increased frequencies: If passenger demand is strong, Breeze might offer more flights per week.
- Better airport experience: The ongoing terminal expansion and upgrades at Ogdensburg International Airport will make travel more comfortable and efficient for everyone.
What Travelers Should Know
If you’re planning to fly from Ogdensburg International Airport, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Check for updates: The new flights to Raleigh-Durham are not available yet. Watch for announcements from Breeze Airways and the airport about when service might begin.
- Booking flights: Once approved, you’ll be able to book flights to both Washington D.C. and Raleigh-Durham through Breeze’s website.
- Connecting flights: Remember that Breeze does not have agreements with other airlines, so plan your connections carefully if you need to fly beyond Breeze’s network.
For the latest schedules and booking options, visit Breeze Airways’ official website.
Official Resources
- Ogdensburg International Airport: For updates on airport projects and flight schedules, visit ogsair.com.
- U.S. Department of Transportation EAS Program: For details about the Essential Air Service program and official documents, visit the DOT’s EAS portal.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that changes like the proposed Ogdensburg–Raleigh-Durham route can have a big impact on small communities. By adding new destinations and improving connections, airports can attract more travelers, support local businesses, and make it easier for people to visit family or do business in other parts of the country.
Conclusion: What This Means for Ogdensburg and the Region
The proposal by Breeze Airways to start flights from Ogdensburg International Airport to Raleigh-Durham International Airport is a significant development for the region. If approved, it will give travelers more options, connect the community to new destinations, and support the local economy. The plan has strong local support and does not require any increase in federal subsidy.
The final decision now rests with the U.S. Department of Transportation. If the DOT gives the green light, travelers could soon enjoy direct flights from Ogdensburg to both Washington D.C. and Raleigh-Durham, opening up new opportunities for business, tourism, and personal travel.
For now, the community waits for the DOT’s decision, hopeful that this change will bring lasting benefits to Ogdensburg and the surrounding area. Travelers, local businesses, and airport staff should stay tuned for updates in the coming weeks as the process moves forward.
Learn Today
Essential Air Service (EAS) → A federal program ensuring small communities maintain subsidized air service despite low profitability.
Federal Subsidy → Government financial support to help airlines operate routes that are not commercially viable.
Interline Agreements → Contracts between airlines allowing passengers to book connecting flights on different carriers with one ticket.
Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) → Key hub airport in North Carolina offering extensive connections on Breeze Airways.
Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) → Existing primary destination served daily by Breeze from Ogdensburg under EAS contract.
This Article in a Nutshell
Breeze Airways seeks to reroute part of its Ogdensburg flights to Raleigh-Durham pending DOT approval. This aims to boost regional connectivity and economic benefits without increasing subsidies, promising enhanced traveler options and airport growth in northern New York by 2026.
— By VisaVerge.com
