- Breeze Airways will launch nonstop flights from Tampa to Costa Rica and Punta Cana in late 2026.
- The San Jose route marks Tampa’s first nonstop Costa Rica service in more than twenty-five years.
- All new international routes will utilize the Airbus A220-300 aircraft with twice-weekly frequencies.
(TAMPA, FLORIDA) — Breeze Airways is adding two new nonstop international routes from Tampa International Airport, and one of them is a long-awaited win for local travelers. If you’ve wanted easier access to Costa Rica or Punta Cana, these flights give you more options without a connection through Miami, Charlotte, or Atlanta.
The bigger story for Tampa flyers is the San Jose, Costa Rica route. It will be the first nonstop from TPA to Costa Rica in more than 25 years. That matters if you’re planning a beach trip, a family vacation, or a nature-heavy getaway that usually starts with a frustrating connection. Breeze is also adding Punta Cana, giving Tampa Bay travelers another direct escape to the Dominican Republic.
New Tampa International Routes
Here’s a quick look at the new service. Punta Cana will launch first, followed by San Jose later in the year. Both routes will operate twice weekly on the Airbus A220-300.
- San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) — from Tampa International Airport (TPA); twice weekly; Airbus A220-300; starts October 3, 2026.
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ) — from Tampa International Airport (TPA); twice weekly; Airbus A220-300; starts July 2, 2026.
Breeze is staggering the launches, with Punta Cana starting first and San Jose following later in the year. That rollout matters because it gives the airline time to test demand while giving travelers new nonstop choices in two popular leisure markets.
Twice-weekly service is limited, but it still opens a door that was closed for years. For travelers in the Tampa area, that can be enough to make a destination practical again. It also adds pressure on other airlines to keep fares competitive.
What the Launch Fares Mean
The promotional pricing is simple on the surface. Breeze is advertising one-way fares starting at $129 for both routes. The airline also says one-way fares to San Jose start at $179 on its website. Those two figures should not be read the same way.
Launch fares are usually limited, and they can change by travel date, seat choice, and add-ons. On a low-cost carrier like Breeze, the base fare rarely tells the whole story. Bags, seat selection, and other extras can change the total fast.
Compare the full trip price, not just the headline fare. A cheap base ticket can become much pricier once you add bags and preferred seats.
For mileage-minded travelers, these flights are more interesting as cash deals than as loyalty sweet spots. Breeze is not a full-scale global network carrier with deep partner award options. That means you should think about the total out-of-pocket cost first. If you do use Breeze’s own points currency, these routes could still be worth watching for low-priced redemptions when cash fares jump.
Why the Aircraft Matters
The aircraft choice is also important. All Breeze international flights from Tampa will use the Airbus A220-300, a 137-seat narrowbody. That is a smart fit for thinner leisure routes. It lets Breeze offer international service without needing the kind of demand that would support a larger jet.
The A220 is one reason Breeze can open these routes at Tampa at all. It gives the airline enough capacity for profitability while keeping the market manageable. For travelers, that usually means newer cabins and a more comfortable experience than you’d expect on a small international route.
Breeze’s Growing International Map From Tampa
These two additions also expand Breeze’s international map from Tampa. When paired with upcoming service to Nassau and Montego Bay, Breeze will serve four international destinations from TPA.
- Nassau, Bahamas — starts June 11, 2026
- Punta Cana, Dominican Republic — starts July 2, 2026
- San Jose, Costa Rica — starts October 3, 2026
- Montego Bay, Jamaica — starts December 19, 2026
Montego Bay was pushed back after Hurricane Melissa hit in 2025, which shows how outside events can reshape airline launch plans. For Tampa, the phased rollout is still a net win. It builds a more useful international network without forcing the airport to wait for a huge one-time expansion.
Tampa International Airport CEO Michael Stephens said the additions expand access to two sought-after destinations. Breeze founder and CEO David Neeleman said the airline is doubling the number of international destinations it serves from Tampa while keeping fares affordable.
Competition, Demand, and Local Ties
The market context is worth watching too. Punta Cana already sees seasonal competition from JetBlue and Frontier, so Breeze is entering a route where vacation demand is proven but competition is real. That can work in travelers’ favor, especially if the new service pressures fares lower.
Costa Rica also has a strong Tampa-area connection. It is Florida’s ninth-largest trade partner, and the Tampa Bay area is home to roughly 3,000 Costa Rican-born residents. That gives the route more than just leisure appeal. It also creates a useful nonstop option for family visits and business travel.
For Tampa travelers, this is the kind of route expansion that can change how you plan a trip. Nonstops save time, cut connection risk, and make short getaways much easier.
This route is ideal for travelers who want a nonstop tropical escape from Tampa and are ready to book early for the best launch fares.
