JetBlue Returns to Daytona Beach Airport After Nearly Seven Years

JetBlue will return to Daytona Beach International Airport after nearly seven years away, restoring two daily nonstop flights starting December 4, 2025. The carrier will fly year-round from Daytona Beach to New York City (JFK) and to Boston, with tickets on sale now and introductory one-way fares from $59. Blackout dates apply from December 18 to January 5. The August 14 announcement by JetBlue and airport officials marks a notable expansion of choices for Volusia County travelers at the start of the winter season.

The schedule includes 1x daily, year-round service from DAB to JFK and 1x daily, year-round service from DAB to BOS. For many residents, direct access to New York City (JFK) reduces the need to drive to Orlando or Jacksonville for long-haul connections and offers a shorter trip to family, business meetings, or medical care in the Northeast.

For visitors, the flights simplify trips to the beach, the Speedway, and area universities.

Community and Economic Impact

Airport leaders cast the move as a community win built on years of work. Volusia County’s Aviation and Economic Resources Director, Cyrus Callum, said the routes will strengthen business ties, tourism, and family travel while reinforcing Daytona Beach International Airport’s role as a regional gateway.

Airport Director Karen Feaster called JetBlue’s return a “huge win” that should lift passenger traffic and improve connections for local residents. JetBlue’s vice president of network planning and airline partnerships, Dave Jehn, said the airline is responding to strong demand for Florida routes and is proud to grow in the state.

The Florida Department of Transportation measured Daytona Beach International Airport’s annual economic impact at $3.2 billion in 2023. Officials expect added seats to support tourism, hospitality, and airport services, while improving access for companies scouting the county for expansion.

Officials said JetBlue will receive financial incentives, including marketing support and waivers of some airport fees, as part of its return.

Airline History and Airport Context

JetBlue previously served Daytona Beach but ceased operations in 2019. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the airline’s return follows years of discussions between JetBlue and the airport’s air service development team.

With the addition of JetBlue, the airport is now served by five carriers—Delta, American, Avelo, Breeze, and JetBlue—offering 11 nonstop destinations. The airport’s recent awards, including Florida DOT’s Commercial Service Airport of the Year in 2021 and 2024 and the FAA’s Air Carrier Air Safety Award in 2023, give officials confidence that the facility is ready for added traffic.

Broader JetBlue Growth in Florida

The routes arrive amid broader growth for JetBlue in Florida, with new service also slated for Vero Beach, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Myers. For Central Florida’s Atlantic coast, the Daytona Beach flights stand out because they plug directly into two of the country’s most connected airports.

JFK and Boston Logan both offer extensive domestic and international links, which matters for:
– Families split across states or continents
– Students heading to colleges in the Northeast
– Small firms that rely on face-to-face meetings to close deals

Local businesses and hospitality operators expect the flights to bolster weekend visitation and reduce the need for long drives from other Florida airports.

Booking Details and Travel Tips

• Introductory fares start at $59 one-way (excluding the Dec 18–Jan 5 blackout window).
• Seats are limited; book early for holiday and school breaks.
• Tickets are available on JetBlue’s website and major booking platforms.

How to book and prepare:
1. Visit JetBlue.com or major booking platforms. Select Daytona Beach (DAB) and choose either JFK or BOS.
2. Watch for the $59 introductory fares and note the Dec 18–Jan 5 blackout dates.
3. Check schedules: each route runs 1x daily, year-round; compare times to match work, school, or connection needs.
4. Day-of-travel: use mobile check-in, arrive early, and keep identification and any required visa documents handy.
5. If connecting to an international flight at JFK or Boston, allow extra time for security and terminal changes.

Airport contacts:
– Daytona Beach International Airport website: flydaytonafirst.com
– Airport phone: 386-248-8069
– JetBlue customer service: 1-800-JETBLUE (1-800-538-2583)

International Connections and Entry Guidance

For local residents holding foreign passports or visas, the direct link to JFK can simplify trips that require onward international flights. Travelers connecting abroad should review official entry, exit, and customs rules in advance to avoid problems during layovers.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection publishes current travel guidance, including inspection procedures and arrival tips, at this official page: https://www.cbp.gov/travel

The new service does not change immigration law or airport inspection steps, but easier access to a major hub can reduce stress on family trips, funerals, weddings, or last-minute travel.

Operations, Competition, and Future Outlook

JetBlue’s return reflects the airport’s steady push to broaden choices beyond legacy carriers. With Delta and American already serving major hubs, JetBlue brings more competition on fares and schedules. Avelo and Breeze provide point-to-point options for leisure markets, rounding out a mix that airport leaders hope will keep fares affordable for residents on fixed budgets.

Officials said they will track passenger counts and local spending after launch. The airport plans ongoing talks with the airline about performance and possible tweaks to schedules. No additional Daytona Beach routes have been announced, but both the airport and the airline left the door open to future growth if demand holds.

Who Benefits

• Returning flyers who remember JetBlue’s earlier service gain a fresh start.
• First-time flyers out of Daytona Beach International Airport get a shorter drive, a smaller terminal, and direct links to two major hubs.
• Retirees, caregivers, families, and small firms gain dependable, year-round service—valuable for budgeting and planning.

Airport leaders framed the launch as part of a multi-year plan to build durable air service. By pairing incentives with a data-driven pitch on local demand, they made the case for Daytona Beach as a smart place to add capacity. JetBlue’s Dave Jehn said the airline aims to keep fares affordable while growing in Florida, a stance local officials hope will sustain the service beyond the first season.

As tickets sell and the calendar moves toward December 4, 2025, many eyes will be on booking trends for JFK and Boston. If performance tracks expectations, residents could see stronger schedules ahead. For now, the return of JetBlue brings fresh options—and a faster path—to and from Volusia County.