Breeze Airlines reports passenger surge with 1604 flights from Vero Beach in 2024

The Vero Beach Airport Commission reported significant growth in airline passenger traffic during its recent meeting on January 17, 2025. Breeze Airlines nearly doubled its passenger count from 2023, carrying 175,995 travelers on 1,604 flights in 2024, compared to 85,728 passengers on 469 flights the previous year. This surge in activity highlights the airport's increasing importance as a regional travel hub.

Despite the impressive passenger numbers, the airport's employment figures fell short of the critical 100,000 mark, which is essential for securing funding from the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Breeze reported 88,005 employments for 2024, with expectations that additional commercial operators may contribute to the overall count. However, the final figures will depend on reports from the FAA, which are still pending.

Looking ahead, Breeze plans to increase its flight departures, starting with 137 in January and ramping up to 156 by March. This is a notable change from the previous summer, where departures dropped significantly. The airline anticipates maintaining a busy schedule throughout the summer months, with a projected 91 to 93 departures per month.

The commission also discussed potential changes to routes, with indications that the Washington Dulles route may be eliminated, reducing the number of nonstop destinations from eight to possibly six during the summer. Additionally, Breeze has requested the commission to explore the airport's rescue and firefighting index, which currently limits the number of average daily departures.

As the Vero Beach Airport continues to evolve, the commission remains focused on enhancing its operational capabilities and ensuring that the airport meets the growing demands of travelers. The outcomes of these discussions will be crucial for the airport's future development and its role in the community.