Travelers in Tampa will soon have an easier way to swap Gulf Coast sunsets for Bahamian breezes. Breeze Airways, the young U.S. carrier that has built its brand on low fares and nonstop flights from underserved cities, is launching new nonstop service from Tampa International Airport to Nassau in the Bahamas in summer 2026. The route adds a long-missing link between Tampa Bay and one of the Caribbean’s most popular island gateways, with convenient twice-weekly service timed for peak vacation season.
A New Nonstop Bridge From Tampa to Nassau
The new Tampa to Nassau route is scheduled to launch on June 11, 2026, providing nonstop service between Tampa International Airport and Lynden Pindling International Airport, the main gateway to the Bahamas. According to announcements from both the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Tampa International Airport, flights will operate two days a week, giving Tampa Bay travelers a simple, short hop to the islands without the need for connections.
The service will run on Thursdays and Sundays, a schedule tailored to long weekend getaways and weeklong stays. For Tampa International, it is a significant milestone: this is the first nonstop jet service between Tampa and Nassau in 20 years, restoring a link that local tourism and airport officials have been eager to see return. For Nassau, the route strengthens access from one of Florida’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas and another important U.S. feeder market.
Breeze Airways has designated Nassau as its fourth international destination, reflecting the carrier’s gradual but deliberate expansion into nearby leisure markets. The Tampa–Nassau service will also become Breeze’s first international route from Tampa International, which has been a key base for the airline since its early days.
Flight Schedule, Frequency and What Travelers Can Expect
Service between Tampa and Nassau begins on June 11, 2026, with flights operating twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays. This pattern is designed to give travelers flexible options to plan four-night or seven-night stays in the Bahamas, as well as long weekends that start or end with minimal time lost to travel.
Exact departure and arrival times will be set in Breeze’s booking system and may adjust with seasonal schedule changes, but the flight itself is relatively short. The block time between Tampa and Nassau is expected to be just over an hour, making it one of the quickest ways for Tampa Bay residents to reach a Caribbean destination. Because the route is nonstop, travelers avoid the added time and uncertainty of connections through larger hubs such as Miami or Atlanta.
Like all international services, passengers on Breeze’s Tampa–Nassau flights will clear outbound security at Tampa and then pass through immigration and customs on arrival in the Bahamas. On the return, U.S. customs and immigration formalities will be completed in Tampa. Travelers should factor in extra time at the airports compared with domestic departures, particularly during busy summer travel days.
Fares, Booking and Breeze’s Pricing Style
Breeze Airways has built its reputation as a value-focused carrier offering what it calls “Seriously Nice” fares, and its Bahamas expansion fits into that approach. In line with its other new routes announced for summer 2026, the airline is promoting introductory one-way fares that undercut many legacy competitors on similar leisure routes. Limited-time promotional pricing often starts under 100 dollars one way for basic economy-style tickets on new services, although exact launch fares for specific dates can vary based on demand and sale periods.
Prospective passengers should understand Breeze’s unbundled pricing model before booking. Base fares typically cover only the seat and a small personal item, with additional charges for checked bags, carry-on bags, advance seat selection and other extras. Travelers seeking the best overall value will want to compare Breeze’s bundled fare options, which may include a checked bag, a carry-on and priority boarding at a discount compared with purchasing each item separately.
Tickets for the Tampa–Nassau route are already available through Breeze’s standard booking channels, and the airline is expected to feature the new service prominently in its summer 2026 promotions. As with many low-cost carriers, availability for the lowest advertised fares can be limited to specific travel dates and flights, especially at the beginning of a new route launch.
Aircraft, Onboard Experience and Cabin Options
The Tampa–Nassau flights will be part of Breeze’s growing network of leisure-focused routes operated primarily by its Airbus A220-300 fleet. The A220 is a modern, fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft configured by Breeze with 137 seats, including a small premium cabin branded as the “Nicest” section, extra-legroom seats and standard economy seating.
For travelers heading to the Bahamas, this layout creates several distinct experience tiers. The Nicest cabin offers a more spacious seat and added perks aimed at vacationers willing to pay for comfort on what is still a relatively short flight. Extra-legroom rows appeal to taller travelers or those who prefer a bit more space without the full premium price. Standard economy seats form the backbone of the cabin and are where most of the lowest promotional fares will be found.
Onboard, Breeze emphasizes a casual, contemporary style rather than traditional full-service frills. Food and beverage options focus on buy-on-board selections, while inflight entertainment is typically delivered through personal devices using the airline’s wireless streaming platform where available. Given the short duration of the Tampa–Nassau hop, many travelers may treat the flight as a quick shuttle rather than a long-haul journey, but the aircraft’s modern interiors and larger windows should be a welcome upgrade from older-generation regional jets.
Why This Route Matters for Tampa and the Bahamas
For Tampa Bay, the return of nonstop service to the Bahamas is a notable win in the region’s broader push to expand international connectivity. Tampa International now offers nonstop flights to more than 20 international destinations across Canada, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Nassau becomes a key addition to that list. Airport leaders have long emphasized the importance of linking Tampa to nearby island destinations that match the region’s tourism profile and cruising industry.
The new Breeze route arrives at a time when Tampa’s population growth and economic development are driving stronger demand for international leisure travel. Households in the metropolitan area now have a broader array of choices for vacation getaways, and the ability to fly directly to the Bahamas without connecting through a major hub is likely to appeal to families, couples and cruise passengers alike.
For the Bahamas, the Tampa route supports the country’s strategy of deepening airlift from multiple U.S. markets rather than relying solely on a handful of large coastal hubs. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism has highlighted Tampa as an important feeder market, given the city’s growing affluence, its role in the Gulf Coast tourism economy and its position within a broader region that includes central Florida and the I-4 corridor. Additional nonstop access can help smooth seasonal demand, especially in the busy summer period targeted by the June launch.
How Nassau Fits Into Breeze Airways’ International Ambitions
The Tampa–Nassau service is part of a broader international push that will see Breeze transition from a purely domestic airline to a carrier with a small but growing portfolio of near-international leisure routes. In late 2025 and early 2026, the airline began rolling out flights from U.S. cities to destinations such as Cancún in Mexico, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Montego Bay in Jamaica. While some initial plans for Jamaica service from Tampa have been revised or delayed, Nassau solidifies the Bahamas as a cornerstone of Breeze’s Caribbean strategy.
The airline’s leadership has described this step into international markets as measured rather than aggressive. By focusing on short-haul routes from U.S. cities where Breeze already has a presence, the carrier can leverage existing customer awareness and airport partnerships while testing demand in high-profile vacation destinations. Nassau, with its established tourism infrastructure and strong brand recognition among American travelers, offers a relatively low-risk entry.
As Breeze evaluates performance on these new routes, future expansion could include additional Caribbean points or even longer-haul flying from Florida into Central or South America, subject to regulatory approvals and operational considerations. For now, the Tampa–Nassau link will serve as one of the airline’s marquee examples of how its low-fare, nonstop model can be applied beyond U.S. borders.
What Travelers Need To Know Before Flying
U.S. travelers booking the new Tampa–Nassau flights should plan for the usual international travel requirements. A valid passport is mandatory for entry into the Bahamas, and visitors should confirm any current entry rules, such as length-of-stay limits or documentation for minors traveling with one parent, well ahead of departure. Travel insurance is strongly recommended, especially during Atlantic hurricane season, which overlaps with the later part of the summer 2026 schedule.
Because Breeze uses an unbundled fare structure, passengers are wise to account for luggage, seat assignments and onboard purchases when comparing total trip costs with other airlines. Families or groups traveling with multiple checked bags may find more value in Breeze’s higher-tier bundled fares, which can reduce surprise charges at the airport. Checking the airline’s baggage size and weight limits before packing can help avoid additional fees.
On the ground, Lynden Pindling International Airport serves as the main entry point not only for Nassau and Paradise Island but also for travelers connecting onward to the Bahamas’ Out Islands by domestic flight or ferry. Those continuing beyond Nassau should leave sufficient time for transfers, especially if purchasing separate tickets on local carriers. Many resorts and hotels in Nassau and Paradise Island offer shuttle services or can arrange private transfers from the airport, and taxis are readily available outside the terminal.
Looking Ahead: Summer 2026 and Beyond
When the first Breeze Airways flight from Tampa touches down in Nassau on June 11, 2026, it will mark more than just another route launch. For Tampa International, it restores a Caribbean connection absent for two decades and underscores the airport’s evolution into a broader international gateway. For Breeze, it is a banner moment in the airline’s young history, representing its first international service from one of its key U.S. markets and its fourth overseas destination overall.
Early performance on the Tampa–Nassau route will be closely watched by tourism officials on both sides of the water. Strong summer bookings could encourage Breeze to extend the service beyond the initial seasonal window, add more frequencies or even explore additional Bahamas destinations in the future. Likewise, other carriers may take note of renewed demand between Tampa Bay and the Bahamas, potentially sparking more competition and options for travelers.
For now, the message to Tampa-area travelers is clear. Beginning in June 2026, reaching the Bahamas will no longer require a detour through another city. With Breeze Airways’ new nonstop flights, paradise is set to be just one simple boarding pass away, making it easier than ever to trade Florida’s Gulf Coast for the turquoise waters and white-sand beaches of Nassau and beyond.