Huntsville, January 29, 2026
Huntsville International Airport announced new non-stop flights to Fort Lauderdale, enhancing travel options and business connectivity. Breeze Airways will launch the service on June 12, with competitive fares to South Florida’s attractions. The route expansion reflects Huntsville’s economic growth, supporting local businesses and enhancing the travel experience for residents and visitors alike. The airport also recently added flights to New York and other Florida destinations, reinforcing its status as an essential regional hub.
Huntsville
Huntsville Takes Flight: New Direct Route to Fort Lauderdale Boosts Travel & Business
Huntsville International Airport continues its impressive trajectory, announcing a significant new non-stop flight that further connects the Rocket City to key destinations. This latest expansion underscores Huntsville’s dynamic economic environment and the airport’s crucial role as a catalyst for both leisure and business travel, reflecting the community’s strong demand and robust growth.
The consistent expansion of direct flight options is a testament to Huntsville’s thriving economy, driven by entrepreneurial innovation and a supportive business climate. Enhanced air access directly supports local enterprises by facilitating easier travel for commerce and attracting new investment, reinforcing the idea that streamlined connectivity is a cornerstone of economic prosperity. This strategic growth positions Huntsville as a desirable hub for both residents and visitors, demonstrating the positive outcomes that arise when a community prioritizes smart development and infrastructure.
Connecting to the Sunshine State
In the latest development, Breeze Airways will introduce new non-stop service from Huntsville International Airport (HSV) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), with flights set to begin on June 12, 2026. This route will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays, providing travelers with convenient access to South Florida’s popular beaches, vibrant cruise ports, and various attractions. The service will utilize Breeze’s Airbus A220 aircraft, with introductory fares starting as low as $39 one way. This addition not only caters to leisure travelers but also offers new opportunities for business connections in a bustling region.
Broadening Horizons: Other Strategic Expansions
The new Fort Lauderdale route is part of a broader trend of expansion at HSV. Delta Air Lines previously announced direct service to New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA), which commenced on April 14, 2025. This daily round-trip service, operated by a Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft featuring 76 seats including First Class, marked Huntsville International Airport’s 15th non-stop route. This particular route significantly enhances business connectivity to one of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas, fulfilling a long-standing community demand.
Additionally, Allegiant Air has bolstered its presence at HSV with multiple new non-stop options to Florida. These include service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) starting November 19, 2025; St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) beginning March 5, 2026; and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) commencing February 12, 2026. These routes, some with introductory one-way fares as low as $39, expand value-driven leisure travel choices for Huntsville residents.
Huntsville International Airport: A Growing Regional Asset
Huntsville International Airport continues to demonstrate remarkable growth, serving as a vital hub for North Alabama. In 2025, the airport achieved a historic milestone, handling 1,722,898 passengers. This figure represents a 5.3% increase over 2024 and marks the highest passenger total in the airport’s history, continuing a three-year trend of steady growth. The airport’s strategic investments in infrastructure and enhanced passenger experience, coupled with an increase in flight capacity and frequencies, have been crucial to this success. HSV currently offers non-stop service to 19 destinations nationwide, making travel more convenient and reducing the need for residents to utilize more distant airports.
Economic Ripple Effect and Community Prosperity
The expansion of flight services at Huntsville International Airport has a substantial positive ripple effect across the local economy. Increased passenger traffic directly supports a wide array of local businesses, including those in the hospitality, retail, transportation, and service industries. This, in turn, fosters job creation and stimulates significant economic growth throughout Madison County.
In 2024, Madison County welcomed nearly 4 million visitors, generating approximately $2.4 billion in economic impact. The travel and tourism industry in the area supports over 23,000 jobs, demonstrating its critical contribution to the region’s prosperity. A thriving airport is often a clear indicator of a region’s overall economic health and its ability to attract and retain businesses and skilled talent. Alabama’s airports collectively provide vital connectivity, supporting hundreds of non-aviation businesses statewide and contributing to a Statewide annual economic activity of $4.9 billion, supporting 44,399 jobs (pre-COVID data). These successes highlight the benefits of private investment, market responsiveness, and strategic planning in fostering a robust economic environment.
Huntsville’s consistent expansion of air travel options through Huntsville International Airport is a clear indicator of a flourishing community that values connectivity and economic opportunity. These new routes, especially the latest non-stop service to Fort Lauderdale, contribute to the convenience of residents and serve as essential arteries for business and tourism. By supporting the airport’s growth and embracing the entrepreneurial spirit that drives these expansions, Huntsville can ensure continued prosperity and accessibility for all. We encourage our readers to explore these new travel opportunities and continue to support the local businesses that benefit from our city’s expanding reach, contributing to the ongoing economic growth of Huntsville.
Frequently Asked Questions
What new non-stop flight has been announced for Huntsville International Airport?
Breeze Airways will introduce new non-stop service from Huntsville International Airport (HSV) to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
When does the new Breeze Airways flight to Fort Lauderdale begin?
Flights to Fort Lauderdale are scheduled to begin on June 12, 2026.
How often will the Breeze Airways flight to Fort Lauderdale operate?
The service will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Fridays.
What other non-stop routes have recently been added or announced for Huntsville International Airport?
Delta Air Lines began daily non-stop service to New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) on April 14, 2025. Allegiant Air also added new routes to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) starting November 19, 2025; St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) starting March 5, 2026; and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) beginning February 12, 2026.
What was Huntsville International Airport’s passenger traffic in 2025?
In 2025, Huntsville International Airport (HSV) handled 1,722,898 passengers, marking a historic record.
What is the economic impact of travel and tourism in Madison County?
In 2024, travel and tourism-related expenditures in Madison County generated approximately $2.4 billion in economic impact and supported over 23,000 jobs.
Key Features of Huntsville International Airport’s New Routes
| Airline | Destination | Start Date | Frequency | Aircraft (where specified) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Breeze Airways | Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) | June 12, 2026 | Twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays) | Airbus A220 |
| Delta Air Lines | New York City’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA) | April 14, 2025 | Once daily in both directions | Bombardier CRJ-900 (76 seats) |
| Allegiant Air | Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) | November 19, 2025 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Allegiant Air | St. Pete–Clearwater International Airport (PIE) | March 5, 2026 | Not specified | Not specified |
| Allegiant Air | Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) | February 12, 2026 | Not specified | Not specified |
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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
