New Discount Airline Breeze Airways Launches at Albany International Airport

Key Takeaways

• Breeze Airways launched discount nonstop flights from Albany International Airport starting June 5, 2025, with fares from $49.
• New routes include Raleigh-Durham, Charleston, and BreezeThru service to Fort Myers on Airbus A220 aircraft.
• Albany’s Air Service Incentive Program supports Breeze’s entry, boosting affordable travel and connectivity in New York State.

Breeze Airways Brings New Discount Airline Service to Albany International Airport

Breeze Airways, a well-known discount airline, has officially started flying from Albany International Airport (ALB) as of June 5, 2025. This move is big news for travelers in the Capital Region, as it brings more affordable and direct flight options to popular destinations. The launch of Breeze Airways at ALB is expected to make air travel easier and cheaper for many people living in and around Albany.

Let’s take a closer look at what this means for travelers, the airport, and the broader airline industry.

Breeze Airways Launches at ALB: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

Who: Breeze Airways, a premium leisure low-cost carrier, is now operating at Albany International Airport.

What: The airline has launched new nonstop and direct flights to three destinations: Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; and Fort Myers, Florida (via a special BreezeThru service).

When: Flights began on June 5, 2025, with all routes open for booking and travel.

Where: Albany International Airport (ALB), serving over 1.5 million passengers each year, is the newest base for Breeze Airways in New York State.

Why: Breeze Airways aims to offer more affordable travel options, fill gaps in ALB’s route map, and meet growing demand for direct flights to key leisure and business destinations.

New Routes and Service Details

Breeze Airways is now the eighth airline at ALB, joining both low-cost and traditional carriers. The airline uses the modern Airbus A220, a 137-seat aircraft known for comfort, fuel efficiency, and features like first-class style Ascent seats and fast inflight WiFi.

Here’s what travelers can expect from the new Breeze Airways service at ALB:

• Raleigh-Durham, NC:
  • Nonstop flights start June 5, 2025
  • Operates Thursdays and Sundays
  • Introductory fares from $49 one way
• Charleston, SC:
  • Nonstop flights begin June 13, 2025
  • Operates Mondays and Fridays
  • Introductory fares from $49 one way
• Fort Myers, FL:
  • BreezeThru service (one-stop, no plane change) starts June 5, 2025
  • Operates Thursdays and Sundays
  • Introductory fares from $49 one way

All flights are operated on the Airbus A220, offering both standard and Ascent (first-class style) seating, plus inflight WiFi for all passengers.

Why Breeze Airways Chose Albany International Airport

Breeze Airways’ decision to launch at ALB is part of a larger plan to serve more cities in New York State. Albany is now the seventh city in the state to get Breeze service. The airline’s business model focuses on connecting secondary airports—like ALB—to popular destinations that are often underserved by other airlines.

David Neeleman, Founder and CEO of Breeze Airways, explained, “We continue to see high demand from our Guests in the Northeast for more travel options in the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. We are excited to bring Breeze’s premium product offering to Albany with a variety of convenient travel options, including our first-class style Ascent seats and fast inflight WiFi.”

This approach helps Breeze stand out from other discount airlines by offering both low fares and premium features.

Airport and Community Response

Local leaders and airport officials have welcomed Breeze Airways with open arms. They see the new service as a major win for the region, helping to meet the needs of both business and leisure travelers.

Sam Fresina, Chair of the Albany County Airport Authority Board, said, “This long-awaited addition to ALB’s air service options reflects our ongoing commitment to working with airlines to meet passenger demand and ensure that we’re making it easier for individuals to get to their destinations. We’re grateful for our new partnership with Breeze Airways and look forward to building upon today’s exciting announcement.”

Peter Stuto, CEO of Albany International Airport, added, “Today’s announcement underscores our airport’s continued growth and unwavering efforts to provide the nearly 3 million annual travelers at ALB with the best air service options possible. We’re grateful that Breeze will be providing low-cost and non-stop service to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, but also to Charleston, South Carolina – an unserved route. Welcome to Albany, Breeze!”

How to Book and Fly Breeze Airways from ALB

Travelers interested in using Breeze Airways from Albany International Airport can follow these simple steps:

1. Visit flybreeze.com to view flight schedules and book tickets for the new ALB routes.
2. Select your destination: Choose from Charleston, Raleigh-Durham, or Fort Myers (BreezeThru).
3. Pick your fare and seat: Decide between standard seating or Ascent (first-class style) seating. All seats come with inflight WiFi.
4. Check-in: Complete check-in online or at the airport before your flight.
5. Arrive at ALB: Go to Breeze’s check-in counter and gate at Albany International Airport.

This process is designed to be easy and user-friendly, making it simple for travelers to take advantage of the new discount airline service.

ALB’s Air Service Incentive Program (ASIP) and Policy Changes

One reason Breeze Airways chose ALB is the airport’s Air Service Incentive Program (ASIP). This program encourages airlines to add new nonstop routes by offering financial and marketing support. For Breeze, this means help with launching new flights and reaching more passengers.

The ASIP is part of ALB’s broader effort to expand its route network and attract more airlines. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, programs like ASIP are becoming more common at airports across the United States 🇺🇸, as they help bring in new carriers and give travelers more choices.

In addition, recent rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation require airlines to provide prompt cash refunds for canceled or significantly changed flights. This means ALB passengers could receive over $8 million in refunds each year under the new policy, offering extra protection for travelers. For more details on these consumer protections, you can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s refund policy page.

Impact on Travelers and the Region

The arrival of Breeze Airways at ALB is expected to have several positive effects for travelers and the local community:

• Lower Fares: Increased competition from a new discount airline may lead to lower prices on many routes.
• More Choices: Direct flights to Charleston and Raleigh-Durham were not previously available, giving travelers more options for both business and leisure trips.
• Better Service: Breeze’s modern aircraft, premium seating, and inflight WiFi offer a comfortable experience at a low price.
• Economic Growth: More flights and passengers can help boost the local economy, supporting jobs at the airport and in related industries like hotels, restaurants, and tourism.

Industry experts also point out that Breeze’s expansion fits a larger trend: low-cost carriers are focusing on secondary airports, where there is less competition and more room for growth.

Quantitative Data: The Numbers Behind the News

• ALB serves over 1.5 million passengers annually (2024 data), with a primary market of 1.4 million residents within a one-hour drive.
• Breeze Airways’ expansion to ALB marks its seventh city in New York State.
• Breeze’s Q4 2024 operating margin exceeded 4%, showing strong demand for its business model.
• Flights to Charleston and Raleigh-Durham operate twice weekly; Fort Myers is served twice weekly via BreezeThru.
• Fares start at $49 one way for all new Breeze routes from ALB.

These numbers highlight the scale of ALB’s operations and the potential impact of Breeze Airways’ entry into the market.

Background: ALB’s Growth and the Rise of Low-Cost Carriers

Albany International Airport has been steadily growing, adding new routes and airlines over the past few years. In 2024, the airport served over 1.5 million passengers and offered flights to 25 unique nonstop destinations.

Breeze Airways, founded by airline industry veteran David Neeleman, has quickly become a major player in the low-cost airline market. The airline focuses on connecting cities that are often overlooked by larger carriers, using a young and fuel-efficient fleet to keep costs down.

Other airlines are also expanding at ALB. For example, Allegiant recently announced new nonstop service to Sarasota, Florida, starting February 14, 2025. This shows a broader trend of airlines adding more leisure travel options from ALB.

Policy Implications and Industry Trends

The launch of Breeze Airways at ALB is part of a bigger shift in the airline industry. More low-cost carriers are targeting secondary airports, which often have less competition and lower operating costs. This benefits travelers by increasing choices and lowering fares.

At the same time, changes in airline policies—like Southwest’s new baggage fees and assigned seating—may push more travelers to consider discount airlines like Breeze. ALB’s ASIP is likely to keep attracting new carriers and routes, further expanding options for people in the Capital Region.

What This Means for Key Stakeholders

Travelers:
– Enjoy new low-cost options and direct flights to previously unserved destinations.
– Benefit from premium features like inflight WiFi and first-class style seating at affordable prices.
– Gain extra consumer protections with new refund rules.

Albany International Airport:
– Achieves a long-standing goal of expanding direct service and meeting growing passenger demand.
– Strengthens its position as a key airport in the region.

Breeze Airways:
– Expands its network in New York State and tests its business model in a new market.
– Builds partnerships with local officials and the airport.

Local Economy:
– Gains from increased travel, tourism, and business activity.
– Sees more jobs and economic growth related to airport operations.

Summary Table: Breeze Airways at Albany International Airport

Looking Ahead: Future Developments

Breeze Airways has hinted at the possibility of adding more routes from ALB, especially as demand grows during the winter travel season. The airport’s incentive program is expected to keep attracting new airlines and flights, making ALB an even more important hub for the region.

Travelers can expect more changes in the airline industry, with low-cost carriers like Breeze leading the way in offering affordable, comfortable, and convenient travel options.

Practical Guidance and Next Steps

If you’re interested in flying with Breeze Airways from Albany International Airport:

• Check flight schedules and book tickets at flybreeze.com.
• For airport information, parking, and travel tips, visit albanyairport.com.
• Stay informed about your rights as a passenger, especially regarding refunds, by visiting the U.S. Department of Transportation’s refund policy page.

For questions or help, you can contact Albany International Airport at (518) 242-2200 or Breeze Airways through their website.

In summary, the arrival of Breeze Airways at Albany International Airport is a major step forward for affordable air travel in the Capital Region. With new nonstop and direct flights, low fares, and premium features, Breeze is set to make flying easier and more enjoyable for everyone. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move reflects a growing trend of discount airlines expanding into secondary airports, bringing more choices and better prices to travelers across the United States 🇺🇸.

Learn Today

Breeze Airways → A low-cost leisure airline offering affordable flights with premium features like inflight WiFi and Ascent seating.
Albany International Airport (ALB) → A regional airport in New York serving over 1.5 million passengers annually with expanding airline service.
Airbus A220 → A modern 137-seat aircraft known for fuel efficiency, comfort, and premium seating options used by Breeze Airways.
Air Service Incentive Program (ASIP) → A program offering financial and marketing support to airlines adding new nonstop routes at ALB.
BreezeThru service → A Breeze Airways flight with one stop but no plane change, offering streamlined travel convenience.

This Article in a Nutshell

Breeze Airways began low-cost service from Albany International Airport on June 5, 2025. It offers nonstop flights to Raleigh-Durham, Charleston, and BreezeThru to Fort Myers. With fares starting at $49 and premium amenities, this expands affordable travel options and regional connectivity in New York State’s Capital Region.
— By VisaVerge.com