Breeze Airways to fly out of Arnold Palmer airport

The change comes after Spirit Airlines shut down in May.

By the MVI

Arnold Palmer Regional Airport near Latrobe has landed a new airline to serve passengers, five months after Spirit Airlines went bankrupt and abruptly left the county’s airport without any scheduled carrier.

The Westmoreland County Airport Authority approved the agreement Tuesday morning with Breeze Airways, a low-cost carrier that offers flights to more than 91 destinations in the United States, Mexico, Caribbean and Costa Rica, according to its website. Breeze Airways operates more than 300 year-round and seasonal routes.

“It’s such a positive win for the airport and Westmoreland County,” said Brian Sokol, an authority member from Rostraver Township.

Breeze Airlines, a Utah-based airline, has stepped forward to initiate and potentially expand service from APRA starting with two flights per week in February 2027, and adding two flights a week to Orlando, Fla., starting in the fourth week of May 2027.

“This is great news for Westmoreland County to have air service back at Arnold Palmer Regional Airport,” authority Executive Director Maurice Haas said.

Breeze officials stated: “With seamless booking, flexible options and customized flight features — including complimentary family seating — devolved via a sleek and simple app, we make it easy to fly.”

State Rep. Eric Davanzo said flights to Myrtle Beach are scheduled to begin Feb. 9, 2027, with Orlando service starting May 26, 2027.

“This is an exciting step forward for families, businesses and visitors who rely on convenient travel close to home. Our county’s airports help connect our communities and create opportunities for growth,” Davanzo said. “Thank you to the Westmoreland County Airport Authority and everyone who worked to make this possible. Welcome, Breeze!”

Breeze already provides service in Western Pennsylvania through Pittsburgh International Airport, where it flies to 20 destinations. The new airline will be able to use the new $24 million Palmer Regional terminal expansion project, which is nearing completion.

Airport authority officials had been searching for a replacement for Spirit Airlines since it shut down its entire operations, leaving Palmer Regional — the only airport Spirit served in the nation — without any scheduled airline. Spirit was in Chapter 11 bankruptcy that give it protection from creditors, when it converted the bankruptcy into a court-monitored liquidation under a Chapter 7 bankruptcy in May. The liquidation of its assets in bankruptcy court is not finished.

Former airport authority CEO Gabe Monzo, who retired in April, said that while Spirit operated at Palmer Regional, other airlines did not want to compete against Spirit. Airport officials said after Spirit discontinued service, they were in talks with two low-cost carriers.

Palmer Regional Airport became more attractive for carriers to provide service because the facility this fall received an $850,00 federal grant from the Small Community and Rural Air Service Program. The grant application identified probable routes as Orlando, Fla., and Myrtle Beach, S.C. That grant can be used to provide revenue guarantees to private airlines to serve small airports that had lost airline service.

Spirit offered seasonal service to Myrtle Beach. It eliminated passenger service to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., in November 2025, replacing it with Orlando as the bankrupt airline tried to stay in business while cutting routes.

Almost 60,000 passengers flew out of Palmer Regional last year, according to the airport authority, and 119,500 passengers arrived and departed the airport last year.

Unlike Spirit, which was owned by shareholders and required to report its finances, Breeze is privately owned and does not have to reveal financial matters. David Neeleman, an aviation entrepreneur, founded it in 2021. He also was involved in founding other low-cost carriers, such as Jet Blue. Breeze offers a mix of more than 300 year-round and seasonal nonstop routes between more than 90 cities in more than 30 states U.S. Rep. Guy Reschenthaler, R-Upper St. Clair, applauds the return of commercial airline service to the airport.

“Arnold Palmer Regional Airport plays a vital role in connecting residents and businesses across southwestern Pennsylvania,” he said. “I was proud to support efforts to restore commercial air service after Spirit Airlines ceased operations, including the airport’s application for an $850,000 federal grant to help attract a new carrier.

“Reliable air service is important to supporting local businesses, attracting investment, and creating jobs throughout our region. Thanks to the hard work of the Westmoreland County Airport Authority, Breeze Airways will soon bring service back to Arnold Palmer, providing travelers with another convenient option while strengthening our regional economy and supporting job growth.”

TribLive contributed to this story.