Saturday, August 2, 2025
Breeze Airways is officially launching with great fanfare in East Tennessee by introducing its first-ever direct flights from Tri-Cities Airport to Orlando and Washington, D.C., beginning this December. The strategic launch brings much-needed convenience to East Tennessee travelers, providing nonstop travel to two of the most popular destinations in the United States. Orlando provides access to world-famous theme parks and family getaways, while Washington, D.C. links travelers to the center of the country’s government and culture. Operated with twice-weekly service on Mondays and Fridays, Breeze is putting an end to long drives or stopovers, ensuring travel faster, easier, and less expensive for citizens throughout the Tri-Cities. Not only does this opening increase regional connectivity, but it’s also a significant milestone in the airport’s expansion, indicating East Tennessee’s increasing significance in the country’s air transport network.
A Game-Changer for Local Travelers
The new service is a major step forward for residents across the Tri-Cities—Johnson City, Kingsport, and Bristol—who often drive hours to access larger airports for long-distance flights. With Breeze’s nonstop options, passengers can now skip layovers and long commutes.
Orlando offers year-round sunshine and top attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. is home to countless museums, national landmarks, and government institutions. These two cities appeal to a wide range of travelers, from families and tourists to students and professionals.
The convenient schedule—departures on Mondays and Fridays—gives travelers flexibility for weekend getaways, business trips, and extended vacations. Whether flying south for a theme park adventure or heading north for work or sightseeing in the capital, the new routes serve a broad and growing demand.
Boosting Regional Air Travel
Tri-Cities Airport has steadily positioned itself as a regional hub, but this announcement from Breeze Airways could signal a shift in how airlines view smaller markets. These new routes not only improve access but also enhance the airport’s role in East Tennessee’s transportation landscape.
Recent air travel trends show increasing investments in mid-sized and regional airports across the country. Airlines are recognizing that secondary cities are full of untapped potential. With growing populations and rising travel interest, these markets are ideal for nonstop routes that reduce friction and expand options for local flyers.
Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport, for example, recently added new destinations including Gulf Shores, Alabama, with upcoming routes to Memphis and Key West. The Tri-Cities announcement follows that momentum and adds to the region’s aviation growth story.
Breeze Airways: A Rising Force in U.S. Aviation
Breeze Airways has quickly carved out a niche since launching in 2021. The airline focuses on connecting underserved routes with efficient, affordable, and comfortable service. Rather than competing in crowded major hubs, Breeze prioritizes direct flights from smaller airports—saving passengers time, money, and frustration.
Known for its no-hassle approach to flying, Breeze uses modern aircraft and offers flexible fare options. Passengers can tailor their booking with add-ons such as extra legroom or checked bags, while the app-based booking system streamlines the entire travel process.
The airline currently operates in over 60 U.S. cities and continues to expand. Its entry into the Tri-Cities market reflects both confidence in the region and a broader commitment to connecting more Americans with nonstop service from their home airports.
Impact Beyond the Terminal
These new flights are expected to create a ripple effect across the region. Easier air access tends to bring in more tourism, encourage business development, and contribute to the local economy through increased hotel bookings, restaurant visits, and retail activity.
For Tri-Cities Airport, the partnership with Breeze could pave the way for additional routes in the future. More direct connections mean the airport becomes more attractive not just to leisure travelers, but also to corporations, students, and logistics businesses considering the area.
This move also reflects a shift in how communities value local air service. As travelers seek less stressful, more efficient options, demand for direct flights from regional airports will likely grow.
Breeze Airways marks its East Tennessee debut with nonstop flights from Tri-Cities Airport to Orlando and Washington, D.C. starting December 2025, offering travelers faster, easier access to two top U.S. destinations
Ready for Takeoff
The introduction of these new routes places the Tri-Cities region on the map in a major way. With nonstop flights to two famous cities and an adjustable schedule, Breeze Airways is making it easier to open doors to new possibilities for East Tennessee travelers.
Whether it’s a vacation trip to Florida or a business conference in the capital, local travelers now have better access to both worlds—without the long road trip or confusing layovers.
As airport communities such as Tri-Cities mature, collaborations with newer carriers like Breeze provide a glimpse into the future of aviation: direct, uncomplicated, low-cost, and local.
