Breeze Airways Celebrates Inaugural Flight From Tampa To West Virginia

Breeze Airways celebrated its inaugural flight from Tampa, Florida to West Virginia International Yeager Airport on Wednesday. 

In June, airport officials announced a new nonstop flight would begin this fall to Tampa International Airport. Wednesday’s flight marks the third non-stop route for Breeze Airways with service available both Wednesdays and Saturdays. 

The airline already offers routes to Charleston, South Carolina and Orlando, Florida.

Yeager Airport Director Dominique Ranieri said Florida remains a popular destination for passengers who have previously connected to that state through Delta, United and American Airlines.

“There’s always been a nexus between people who retire from our state and move to that area of Florida, so we anticipate a lot of people coming and going to visit family and friends in West Virginia,” Ranieri said. “But it’s also a new opportunity to bring people from that area of Florida to West Virginia for all of our tourism offerings.”

Ranieri said the new route enhances connectivity for passengers and strengthens Yeager Airport’s commitment to providing convenient travel options to popular destinations like Tampa.

“This flight is starting at the perfect time for people in the Tampa area to be able to have a nice easy flight up to West Virginia to experience leaf-peeping season and then of course we are right around the corner from ski season as well,” she said.

Breeze Airways plans to add more flights over the next two years, including one to New York. 

The airline’s partnership with the State of West Virginia, the Kanawha County Commission and the City of Charleston includes a minimum revenue guarantee. Under the terms of the agreement, Breeze will offer flights to at least five destinations within its first two years of operation.

“We hope to have some more exciting news within the coming months,” Ranieri said.