A US airline has made headlines by canceling a planned route even before its inaugural flight, leading a rival carrier to swiftly fill the gap. Breeze Airways announced the cancellation of its anticipated service from Redmond, Oregon, to Burbank, California, leaving early ticket holders disappointed.
Originally set to commence this spring, the budget airline informed travelers of the service cancellation, citing adjustments to schedules as necessary to optimize resources. Although Breeze’s decision has left a void, travelers can still access Burbank, as Alaska Airlines has quickly stepped in, launching daily nonstop flights between the two destinations starting October 26.
Jodi Low, spokesperson for Redmond Airport, expressed relief that Central Oregon would maintain a direct connection to the Burbank area despite Breeze’s withdrawal. This shake-up in operations coincides with a broader reshaping of Breeze’s West Coast strategy, which includes consolidating its route offerings following Avelo Airlines’ exit from several markets, including Redmond.
Despite the cancellation of the Burbank service, Breeze is moving forward with other plans, including the anticipated mid-March launch of its Redmond to Las Vegas route. Meanwhile, the Provo connection has been scaled back.
Breeze Airways, which commenced operations in 2021, now offers about 170 routes across 60 U.S. cities. Their recent expansion efforts featured new nonstop routes from Las Vegas to various destinations, including Orange County and Arcata/Eureka, with fares beginning as low as $39.
In contrast, Alaska Airlines continues to grow its presence in the Pacific Northwest, providing flights from Redmond to major cities such as Seattle and San Francisco, and now to Burbank. This addition reflects Alaska’s commitment to enhancing travel options between California and the Northwest.
While this route cancellation presents a setback for Breeze Airways, it also highlights the intense competition in the airline industry and the resilience of the market, with Alaska Airlines ready to ensure continuous service for travelers. The aviation environment remains dynamic as airlines adjust to shifting demand and resources, reaffirming the importance of providing dependable and cost-effective travel options for passengers.