WINDSOR LOCKS, Conn. — The Connecticut Airport Authority announced Friday that Bradley International Airport will welcome two new airlines.
Breeze Airways and Sun Country Airlines will launch from Windsor Locks this summer with service to new destinations.
Breeze:
- Charleston
- Columbus
- Norfolk
- Pittsburgh
Sun Country:
- Minneapolis
Kevin Dillon, the Executive Director and CEO of the Connecticut Airport Authority, told FOX61 News that the new service at Bradley is exacting and good for the city.
“We’re thrilled that more people are starting to return to the skies. I think more and more people are starting to feel comfortable flying," he said. "I think we started to see an uptick in March, that seemed to coincide with the vaccine rollout and we are expecting a very healthy summer travel period.”
Officials say both companies are committed to connecting passengers to smaller and medium-sized destinations, affordably.
“I know Connecticut well from many years living there and we see a significant number of unserved markets from Bradley that will provide us with many years of growth opportunities," said David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways, in a statement. "And we're thrilled to be able to give Hartford residents nonstop service so they can get where they want to go twice as fast for half the cost.”
Here's when travelers can expect to start flying on Breeze:
- Charleston – May 27
- Columbus, Norfolk and Pittsburgh – July 22
Sun Country service to Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport begins Friday, May 21 and will operate twice a week as follows:
BDL to MSP: 11:40 AM EST (departure) – 1:40 PM CST (arrival)
MSP to BDL: 7:35 AM CST (departure) – 11:05 AM EST (arrival)
“It’s more options here at Bradley and certainly in the case of Breeze and Sun Country you’re talking about low fare options so it’s really going to give people an affordable way to fly to a lot of different locations but overall I think people should see this as a very good sign Bradley is bouncing back," Dillon said. "We are expecting the traffic to return.”
Gov. Ned Lamont said in a statement that it is an exciting time for Bradley, as Connecticut continues to emerge from the pandemic.
“This announcement today is further recognition that one of our greatest assets as a state and a region is Bradley International Airport, and these new destinations allow for residents to be connected to new business and tourism travel markets," Lamont said.
According to officials, the nonstops on Breeze will operate on a single-class Embraer aircraft, with a two-by-two seat configuration.
Breeze Airways said it will offer booking flexibility that includes no change or cancellation fees for flights changed or canceled up to 15 minutes before scheduled departure.
CAA Board Chair Thomas Sheridan also said the authority is thrilled to be part of Breeze Airways’ historic launch.
“While it has been a challenging year for the aviation industry, today’s announcement solidifies Bradley International Airport’s continued, strong reputation and is a testament to the acumen of the leadership team to pursue new partnerships that will benefit our airport and region," he added.
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