On September 10, 2025, JetBlue Airways didn’t just add flights — it doubled down on a bet that Fort Lauderdale is the future of U.S. travel to Latin America and the Caribbean. The airline unveiled a sweeping expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, launching nine new routes and boosting service on nine others, pushing its daily departures to a record 113 during the winter 2025-2026 season. It’s not just more flights. It’s a redefinition of what a regional hub can be.
From 140 to 160 Seats: The Quiet Evolution of a Hub
Twenty-five years ago, Fort Lauderdale was JetBlue’s first destination — a humble start with Embraer 190s carrying 140 passengers. Today, the same airport sees Airbus A220-300s with 160 seats, Fly-Fi internet, and power outlets at every row. The transformation isn’t just about size; it’s about strategy. While other airlines retreated during the pandemic, JetBlue held on. Now, with Spirit Airlines’ future uncertain and United Airlines as a new partner, JetBlue is positioning itself to absorb not just market share, but customer loyalty.
"As the top airline in Fort Lauderdale, with more departures than any other carrier on peak travel days," said Dave Jehn, vice president of network planning and airline partnerships, "we’re giving travelers more opportunities to enjoy the comfort, quality service and value that sets JetBlue apart." His words carry weight. JetBlue isn’t just competing — it’s setting the standard.
The New Routes: Connecting South Florida to the Americas
The nine new destinations aren’t random. They’re deliberate. Cali and Cartagena in Colombia open up the Pacific and Caribbean coasts to a growing demographic of U.S.-based Colombians. San Pedro Sula in Honduras taps into a community that’s long been underserved by direct flights. Liberia (Guanacaste Province) in Costa Rica — a hotspot for eco-tourists — gets daily service starting December 4, 2025. Meanwhile, Aruba, Grand Cayman, and St. Maarten aren’t just vacation spots; they’re financial and cultural bridges.
New Orleans (MSY) returns with two daily flights from November 1, 2025, reviving a route that had been dormant since 2021. Pittsburgh (PIT) — a city JetBlue last served in 2021 — comes back with the A220, a sleek, quiet jet that’s become the backbone of its medium-haul network. And here’s the kicker: Grand Cayman service begins December 4, 2025, operating just three times weekly — a sign JetBlue is testing demand before committing to daily flights.
Mint Service Gets a Home Base
JetBlue’s Mint premium service — the only domestic lie-flat option in South Florida — is getting a major upgrade. New Mint flights will launch to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Raleigh-Durham, and Richmond. These aren’t just add-ons; they’re anchors. The airline plans to open a dedicated Mint base at FLL, a move that signals long-term commitment. For business travelers and affluent leisure seekers, this isn’t a perk — it’s a reason to choose Fort Lauderdale over Miami or Orlando.
According to aviation analytics firm Cirium, JetBlue’s share of departing seats at FLL will jump from 18% in January-February 2025 to over 23% in the same period next year. That’s a 28% increase in market share in just 12 months. And with 17 new routes launched in 2025 alone — including the return of daily New York-JFK service after a 12-year gap — the airline’s footprint is growing faster than any competitor’s.
Terminal 5 and the Bigger Picture
Behind the scenes, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is completing Terminal 5, which will add five new gates — all reserved for JetBlue. This isn’t a coincidence. The airport authority has quietly aligned its infrastructure with JetBlue’s ambitions. While other airlines scramble for space, JetBlue is being handed the keys to the future.
It’s also a strategic pivot. After abandoning its $3.8 billion merger with Spirit Airlines in 2024 — a deal blocked by the Justice Department — JetBlue pivoted from consolidation to expansion. The company didn’t mention Spirit in its announcement, but the message is clear: if Spirit’s ultra-low-cost model falters, JetBlue is ready to pick up its customers — with better seats, better service, and better connectivity.
Why This Matters to You
If you live in South Florida, this means more choices — and better prices — for trips to Colombia, Costa Rica, or even New Orleans. If you’re a business traveler, Mint’s expansion means you can fly from Fort Lauderdale to LAX in comfort, without going through Atlanta or Dallas. And if you’re a tourist, you now have direct access to seven new Caribbean and Central American destinations without connecting through Miami.
JetBlue’s move isn’t just about flights. It’s about control. Control over pricing. Control over service. Control over the narrative of what travel in South Florida should look like.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this expansion affect travelers from South Florida?
Travelers in South Florida now have direct access to nine new destinations, including major Latin American cities like Cali and Cartagena, without needing to connect through Miami or Atlanta. With 113 daily departures, flight options are more frequent and prices are likely to drop due to increased competition. The addition of Mint service also gives business and premium travelers a high-quality alternative to legacy carriers.
Why is JetBlue focusing so heavily on Fort Lauderdale?
Fort Lauderdale has been JetBlue’s first and most consistent South Florida hub since 2000. With lower operating costs than Miami and less congestion than Orlando, FLL offers a strategic advantage. The upcoming Terminal 5 expansion and JetBlue’s growing market share (23% of departing seats by early 2026) show the airline sees FLL as its primary gateway to Latin America — not just a secondary base.
What’s the timeline for the new routes?
New service begins November 1, 2025, with New Orleans and Pittsburgh. Most routes — including Cali, Cartagena, San Pedro Sula, and Liberia — start between November 1 and December 4, 2025. Grand Cayman launches last, on December 4, with three weekly flights. Mint expansions are already bookable as of September 10, 2025, with flights rolling out through late fall.
How does this impact competition with other airlines at FLL?
JetBlue now operates more departures than any other airline at FLL on peak days. With its market share rising from 18% to over 23% in just one year, competitors like Southwest, Delta, and American Airlines are under pressure to respond. But unlike JetBlue, they lack the dedicated terminal space and the strategic focus on Latin America — giving JetBlue a lasting edge.
Is this expansion tied to JetBlue’s failed merger with Spirit Airlines?
While JetBlue didn’t mention Spirit in its announcement, the timing is no accident. After the DOJ blocked the merger in 2024, JetBlue shifted from acquisition to organic growth. By expanding into Spirit’s core markets — especially Caribbean and Central American routes — JetBlue is quietly capturing the ultra-low-cost customer base without the regulatory risk. It’s a quiet takeover by service, not stock.
What’s next for JetBlue at Fort Lauderdale?
With Terminal 5 opening soon and five new gates ready, JetBlue is expected to add more international routes in 2026 — possibly to Panama City, Medellín, or even San Juan. The airline is also testing a new loyalty program tier for frequent FLL travelers. The goal? To turn Fort Lauderdale into the undisputed #1 origin for U.S. travelers heading to Latin America and the Caribbean — not just a stopover.
