Breeze Airways is expanding its Caribbean network with new nonstop routes to destinations in the Dominican Republic and US Virgin Islands, as the low-cost carrier continues to grow its international footprint ahead of its fifth anniversary.

The airline announced that it will launch new nonstop service between Tampa and Saint Thomas beginning December 16. The route will operate twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with introductory one-way fares starting at US$149.

Breeze Airways will also introduce seasonal nonstop service between Columbus and Punta Cana from January 8. The flights will operate on Mondays and Fridays.

Additional seasonal service to Punta Cana will begin from Pittsburgh on January 7, with flights scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.

The carrier is also expanding its Mexico routes with new nonstop services to Cancun from Pittsburgh, Richmond and Tampa starting between December and January.

Founder and chief executive officer David Neeleman said the launch of service to the US Virgin Islands marked another milestone for the airline.

“In 2021, Breeze took flight with a handful of routes and big plans to deliver affordable, elevated service between underserved cities,” Neeleman said in a statement.

“Launching service to the US Virgin Islands on the cusp of our 5-year anniversary speaks to how far Breeze has come in that time,” he added.

“Whether it’s a new destination like St Thomas or making sure travellers in Atlantic City have affordable options, we’re continuing to grow where the demand is – and we’re just getting started.”

The airline said the expansion forms part of its strategy to increase direct service between underserved US cities and leisure destinations across the Caribbean and Latin America.