Tri-Cities, TN, September 21, 2025
News Summary
Tri-Cities Airport is expanding its air service by adding new direct flights to Washington Dulles and Orlando. Breeze Airways will introduce these flights starting in December, and the airport is enhancing its infrastructure to better accommodate travelers. New improvements include upgrades to the terminal and parking facilities, aimed at resolving current customer frustrations. As the airport works to meet growing travel demands, local support remains crucial for sustaining these flight options.
Tri-Cities, TN – Tri-Cities Airport is set to expand its air service significantly with new direct routes from Breeze Airways to Washington Dulles International Airport and Orlando International Airport starting in December. These flights are scheduled to begin on December 12 for Washington D.C. and December 15 for Orlando.
The new routes come as part of a broader initiative to enhance the airport’s offerings and address customer needs. Airport President and CEO Gene Cossey confirmed that the airport is focusing on major improvements, including upgrades to parking facilities and the terminal. These upgrades aim to resolve customer frustrations regarding parking availability, which has been a growing concern among travelers.
To reduce congestion at the airport, the security checkpoint will undergo a widening project. Additionally, enhancements will be made to taxiways, navigation systems, and other infrastructure to ensure greater safety and efficiency in operations. These plans are meant to increase the overall travel experience for passengers and meet the increasing demand for air connectivity.
Breeze Airways plans to operate direct flights to Orlando on Fridays and Mondays, while Washington D.C. routes will also run on the same days. The introduction of Breeze Airways is seen as a significant step towards improving connectivity for Tri-Cities travelers, reflecting a demand for more affordable nonstop routes.
An interesting statistic from a recent study indicates that 54% of Gen Z and 45% of millennials prioritize making memories during their vacations, whereas 57% of baby boomers prefer relaxation. This data aligns with the growing trend for “bleisure” travel, where individuals combine business and leisure trips, further driving the demand for more varied destinations from airports like Tri-Cities.
As part of its ongoing developments, Tri-Cities Airport is taking over its fixed-base operator (FBO) services. This move will enable the airport to invest more heavily in general aviation facilities, such as corporate hangars, which is expected to attract more businesses to the region.
Despite current challenges within the air traffic control system, aviation safety remains a top priority. The airport maintains stringent maintenance standards to ensure a high level of safety for all its passengers. In addition to the new Breeze Airways routes, the airport is actively seeking to add more flights, targeting key markets such as Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Efforts to secure federal grants for flights to Chicago are also underway.
Cossey emphasized the importance of local support for the airport to thrive and continue offering competitive flight options. He encouraged residents to utilize Tri-Cities Airport instead of traveling to Asheville, NC, for flights, underscoring the role of community engagement in sustaining airline services.
The announcement regarding Breeze Airways marks the culmination of years of work and community advocacy for enhanced air travel options. The airline aims to simplify the flying experience by focusing on efficient service between secondary airports. David Neeleman, Breeze Airways’ founder, describes their mission as redefining affordable air travel while improving the overall customer experience.
Tri-Cities Airport continues its commitment to growth, reflecting new consumer travel trends and a determination to meet the needs of passengers in the region.
FAQ
What are the new routes being offered by Breeze Airways at Tri-Cities Airport?
Breeze Airways will add direct flights to Washington Dulles International Airport and Orlando International Airport starting December 12 and December 15 respectively.
What days will the new flights to Orlando and Washington operate?
Direct flights to Orlando will operate on Fridays and Mondays, while flights to Washington will also be available on those days.
What improvements are underway at Tri-Cities Airport?
Major parking lot expansions and upgrades are underway, including a widening of the terminal’s security checkpoint and enhancements to taxiways and navigation systems.
What focus does Tri-Cities Airport have for future flights?
The airport is focusing on priority markets including Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C., and is working on a federal grant to pursue flights to Chicago.
What is the significance of Breeze Airways for Tri-Cities Airport?
The announcement of Breeze Airways is the culmination of years of work and community support, aiming to provide more connectivity for Tri-Cities travelers and cater to the demand for affordable nonstop routes.
Key Features of the Tri-Cities Airport Expansion
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Routes | Direct flights to Washington Dulles and Orlando starting December 12 and 15. |
| Flight Days | Flights operate on Fridays and Mondays. |
| Airport Improvements | Enhancements to parking, terminal security checkpoint, and taxiways. |
| Future Focus | Aiming for flights to Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. |
| Community Support | Emphasis on local utilization to sustain new airline services. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- WJHL News: Tri-Cities Airport Non-Stop Flights
- Wikipedia: Tri-Cities Airport
- SuperTalk 929: New Routes for Travelers
- Google Search: Breeze Airways Tri-Cities Airport
- WCYB: Breeze Airways Flights
- Google Scholar: Airport Expansion Projects
- Johnson City Press: Soaring to New Heights
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Airport Infrastructure
- WJHL News: Live Announcement of New Flights
- Google News: Tri-Cities Airport Expansion
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan 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 the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
