A Utah-based budget airline is taking off from Memphis International Airport this spring, offering new travel options for local passengers.
Breeze Airways announced last Wednesday that it will launch nonstop flights from Memphis to Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Tampa International Airport (TPA), along with a one-stop, no-plane-change “BreezeThru” service to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD) via Raleigh-Durham.
Flights begin in May, and tickets are already available for booking.
Flight Schedules and Fares
- Raleigh-Durham (RDU): Service begins May 9, operating on Mondays and Fridays, with introductory one-way fares starting at $49.
- Tampa (TPA): Flights start May 7, running on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with fares beginning at $45.
- Providence (PVD): Service launches May 9 on Mondays and Fridays, with a one-stop connection via RDU.
Memphis International Airport Welcomes Breeze Airways
The addition of Breeze Airways is a significant development for Memphis International Airport, which has been in discussions with the airline for several years. Glen Thomas, communications director for the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, emphasizes the importance of these new routes.
“RDU was our top unserved destination, so securing this route has been a priority,” Thomas said. “Tampa is also a popular spot for Memphians, and this new service provides additional low-cost options. The easy connectivity to Providence is an added bonus.”
Previously, Avelo Airlines offered seasonal nonstop service from Memphis to Raleigh-Durham, but that route ended in September 2023. With approximately 126 passengers traveling daily between Memphis and Tampa and 65 passengers flying between MEM and RDU, the new Breeze Airways routes are expected to be received well.
Michael Keeney, chairman of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority Board of Commissioners, echoes this sentiment: “The addition of Breeze Airways is a tremendous development for Memphis passengers. We expect travelers will embrace these new routes.”
Why Breeze Airways Chose Memphis
Breeze Airways, headquartered in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, launched in May 2021 with a focus on connecting secondary markets. The airline currently operates over 200 routes to 68 cities in 31 states, with Memphis becoming its sole Tennessee destination.
Previously, Breeze had a brief presence in Nashville but discontinued service due to competition from larger carriers. Breeze’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lukas Johnson, believes Memphis is a better fit for the airline’s business model.
“It’s not a big connecting hub, but there’s strong demand for nonstop routes,” Johnson said. “We’re excited to start with these destinations and see how they grow.”
With Breeze Airways’ arrival, Memphis travelers now have more affordable options to reach key cities, further enhancing the airport’s connectivity and convenience.
