JetBlue has announced a major expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, making headlines on July 23, 2025. The airline is adding new nonstop routes, increasing daily flights, and rolling out more of its premium Mint® service. This move marks JetBlue’s biggest growth phase in South Florida, aiming to give travelers more choices and comfort, while boosting the local economy and airport infrastructure.
JetBlue’s Expansion: What’s New and Why It Matters
Starting in December 2025, JetBlue will operate 95 daily departures to 37 destinations from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, up from 72 daily departures to 31 destinations. This means more flights, more cities, and more options for travelers. The airline is launching or resuming nonstop service to Atlanta, Austin, Norfolk, and Tampa. Norfolk and Tampa flights start December 4, 2025, with Norfolk getting two flights a day and Tampa one daily flight. JetBlue is also adding more flights on popular routes to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Raleigh-Durham, and Richmond.
But the biggest news is the expansion of JetBlue’s Mint® service. Every JetBlue flight between Fort Lauderdale and Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco will now offer Mint® this winter. That’s up to 13 daily Mint flights from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, making JetBlue the only airline to offer domestic lie-flat seats from this airport during the winter season.
Why JetBlue Is Focusing on Fort Lauderdale
JetBlue’s connection to Fort Lauderdale goes back 25 years—it was the airline’s first destination. Over the years, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has become a key part of JetBlue’s network, serving as a major gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, JetBlue’s steady growth at this airport shows its commitment to both leisure and business travelers in South Florida.
Dave Jehn, JetBlue’s Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships, explained, “We’re excited to add more Mint to popular routes from Fort Lauderdale and continue building on its success. Mint is a reimagined premium experience that offers a different level of comfort, privacy and hospitality. Our customers appreciate the difference, and we’re confident these expanded Mint routes will be a compelling option for travelers looking to elevate their journey.”
Daniel Shurz, Head of Revenue, Network and Enterprise Planning, added that JetBlue wants to build the best East Coast leisure network and become the top choice for travelers in South Florida.
What Is Mint® and Why Does It Matter?
Mint® is JetBlue’s premium cabin, designed for travelers who want more comfort and better service. It features lie-flat seats, upgraded dining, and personalized attention from the crew. Mint® targets both business travelers and those looking for a high-end leisure experience. With this expansion, JetBlue stands out as the only airline offering domestic lie-flat seats from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, giving it a clear edge over competitors.
How Travelers Benefit from JetBlue’s Growth
For travelers, JetBlue’s expansion means:
- More Nonstop Options: New and resumed routes to Atlanta, Austin, Norfolk, and Tampa, plus more flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Raleigh-Durham, and Richmond.
- Premium Experience: Mint® service on every flight to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
- Competitive Pricing: JetBlue is known for offering good value. Introductory one-way fares start as low as $69 for some new routes, with Mint® fares starting at $599 one-way and core fares from $109, depending on the route and season.
- Easy Booking: All new routes and Mint® services are available for booking now on JetBlue’s official website.
This expansion gives travelers more choices, better comfort, and the chance to fly nonstop to more places from South Florida.
Impact on the Local Economy and Airport
JetBlue’s growth at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is not just good news for travelers—it also helps the local economy. More flights mean more visitors, which supports tourism and business travel. This, in turn, creates jobs and brings more money into the region.
The airport itself is also getting a major upgrade. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is in the middle of a multi-billion-dollar modernization project. Terminal 5, which will add five new domestic gates, is scheduled for completion in mid-2026. New terminal connectors, which will make it easier for passengers to move between terminals, are set to be finished by 2027. An automated people mover, planned for completion by 2030, will further improve airport connectivity.
Broward County Aviation Department, which runs the airport, supports JetBlue’s expansion as part of its plan to turn Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport into a top-tier U.S. airport. These infrastructure investments are designed to handle more passengers and meet the growing demand for premium services like Mint®.
What Industry Experts and Stakeholders Are Saying
Aviation analysts point out that JetBlue’s expansion positions it as the leading premium leisure carrier in South Florida. Legacy carriers have not matched JetBlue’s scale of lie-flat seat offerings from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, giving JetBlue a unique advantage.
Airport officials are also pleased. They see JetBlue’s growth as a sign that the airport is becoming a major gateway, not just for Florida but for the entire country. The increased traffic brings more jobs and helps the airport’s reputation.
Multiple Perspectives: Who Benefits and How
- JetBlue: The airline is focused on putting customers first, optimizing its network, and standing out with its premium Mint® product.
- Passengers: Travelers get more choices, better premium options, and improved connections to major cities.
- Airport and Local Economy: The region benefits from more flights, more visitors, and more jobs.
- Competitors: Other airlines may feel pressure to improve their own premium offerings or add more flights to keep up with JetBlue.
Booking and Practical Details
If you want to take advantage of JetBlue’s new routes or Mint® service, you can book now on JetBlue’s official website (jetblue.com). Most new and resumed routes start in December 2025, but some are already available for booking for travel through the winter of 2025–2026. Mint® fares for new routes start at $599 one-way, while core fares start at $109, depending on the route and season.
For more information about the airport, you can visit the official Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport website (broward.org/airport). This site provides updates on airport projects, terminal maps, and travel tips.
Background: JetBlue’s History at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
JetBlue’s relationship with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is long and strong. The airline made its first flight to this airport 25 years ago, and since then, it has become a cornerstone of JetBlue’s network. The airport serves as a major gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, making it an important hub for both leisure and business travelers.
Over the past year, JetBlue has grown its departures from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport by 6%, focusing on both premium leisure and business travel. The airline’s strategy is to offer more flights, better service, and a premium experience that sets it apart from competitors.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for JetBlue and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
JetBlue’s expansion is just one part of a bigger story. The airport is undergoing major changes to support more flights and better service. Terminal 5, set to open in mid-2026, will add five new domestic gates. By 2027, new terminal connectors will make it easier for passengers to move between terminals. An automated people mover, planned for completion by 2030, will further improve airport connectivity.
| Country/Type | Visa Category | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| USA | H1B | 3-6 months |
| USA | New routes | December 2025 |
| USA | Norfolk flights | December 4, 2025 |
| USA | Terminal 5 completion | Mid-2026 |
| USA | New terminal connectors completion | 2027 |
| USA | Automated people mover completion | 2030 |
JetBlue is also working on strategic partnerships with other airlines, including United Airlines. These partnerships could lead to even more route options and loyalty benefits for travelers in the future.
What This Means for Immigrants, Tourists, and Business Travelers
JetBlue’s growth at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport has special meaning for immigrants, tourists, and business travelers:
- Immigrants: The airport is a major gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, making it easier for families to visit loved ones or travel for important events.
- Tourists: More flights and better service mean it’s easier and more comfortable to visit South Florida, whether for a vacation or to explore new opportunities.
- Business Travelers: The expansion of Mint® service gives business travelers a premium option for cross-country flights, helping them arrive rested and ready for work.
How to Stay Informed and Plan Your Trip
If you’re planning to fly from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, it’s a good idea to check the latest updates on JetBlue’s official website or the airport’s site. Flight schedules and route launches can change due to regulatory approval or operational adjustments. Infrastructure projects like Terminal 5, terminal connectors, and the people mover are subject to construction timelines and may experience delays.
For official information about U.S. travel and airport security, you can visit the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website. This site provides important details about what you can bring on flights, security procedures, and travel tips.
Contact Information for Travelers
- JetBlue Customer Service:
- Website: jetblue.com
- Phone: 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583)
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport:
- Website: broward.org/airport
- General Inquiries: 954-359-1200
Caveats and Limitations
All information in this article is current as of July 23, 2025. Flight schedules and route launches depend on regulatory approval and may change. Infrastructure projects at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are subject to construction timelines and could be delayed.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- JetBlue is expanding in a big way at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, adding new routes, more daily flights, and more Mint® service.
- Travelers benefit from more choices, better comfort, and competitive pricing.
- The local economy and airport infrastructure are set to grow, with new terminals and improved passenger flow.
- Booking is open now for most new routes and Mint® services, with flights starting in December 2025.
Whether you’re a frequent flyer, a business traveler, or someone planning a special trip, JetBlue’s expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport offers new opportunities and a better travel experience. For the most up-to-date information, visit JetBlue’s official website or the airport’s site before you book your next flight.
Learn Today
Mint® → JetBlue’s premium cabin with lie-flat seats, upgraded dining, and personalized service for a luxury flight experience.
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport → A major airport in South Florida serving as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean.
Nonstop flights → Flights that fly directly between two cities without any scheduled intermediate stops.
Lie-flat seats → Airplane seats that recline fully flat into a horizontal position, ideal for comfortable long-haul travel.
Terminal 5 → A new terminal at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport adding five domestic gates, opening mid-2026.
This Article in a Nutshell
JetBlue is dramatically expanding at Fort Lauderdale, adding nonstop routes and premium Mint® service. Beginning December 2025, travelers gain improved comfort, more destinations, and competitive fares, while the airport upgrades its terminals and infrastructure to accommodate growth and enhance passenger experience.
— By VisaVerge.com
