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Getting from Long Island to Wilmington and Cape Fear is about to be, well, a breeze!
Breeze Airways has just announced new nonstop flights from MacArthur Airport to Wilmington, N.C., and those will be starting in October.
And that now makes for eight nonstop destination for Breeze Airways out of Long Island.
“Breeze Airways continues to grow at MacArthur Airport (ISP), and we could not be happier with the carrier’s commitment to our ISP loyal customers and the Long Island community,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
The new flights to Wilmington International Airport (ILM) will start Oct. 2 and run twice weekly — Thursdays and Sunday — in a new Airbus A220 aircraft, officials said. Limited introductory fares as low as $49 are now available on the Breeze website and Breeze app.
“We’ve worked hard both on air service development and preparing the airport terminal and airfield to welcome airlines and the fun new destinations and travel opportunities they bring,” said Shelley LaRose-Arken, the airport’s commissioner. “The Wilmington, N.C., region is quickly rising in terms of popularity.
“It’s a gateway to beautiful beaches and boardwalks with a wide variety of outdoor activities that Long Islanders enjoy. These flights, available only from ISP nonstop, are ultra convenient. Get ready for your next adventure.”
Taking off
Breeze, which started flying out of MacArthur in February 2022, also offers nonstop flights to Fort Myers, Sarasota, and Vero Beach in Florida, Charleston, Norfolk and Richmond, Va., and Raleigh-Durham.
A creation of JetBlue founder David Neeleman, Breeze’s business model merges technology with kindness and providing accessible, affordable, nonstop service to underserved locations across the United States.
“Breeze Airways has known Long Island MacArthur Airport’s convenience since early 2021 while we conducted FAA proving runs and received certification from the U.S. Department of Transportation,” Neeleman said today on Long Island. “We realized ISP’s incredible potential with its proximity to NYC and with Long Island Railroad access.
“In addition, the ISP team is easy to work with and understands and appreciates the importance of customer experience and ‘Seriously Nice’ service,” he added.
Long Island MacArthur Airport, which is managed by the town, is experiencing an unprecedented period of growth, Islip officials said.
Simple Flying, an aviation news service, recently reported that this summer there will be 28 percent more takeoffs than during the same period in 2024 and 11 percent more than pre-pandemic 2019 levels.
Top: Breeze Airbus A220 at sunset. (media courtesy photo)
