Breeze Airways Launches Daytona Beach to Akron-Canton Low-Cost Route

Breeze Airways Launches Daytona Beach to Akron-Canton Route: A Strategic Move in Low-Cost Aviation

The landscape of domestic air travel continues to shift as low-cost carriers like Breeze Airways expand into underserved markets. Breeze’s latest announcement to launch a direct route between Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) and Akron-Canton Airport (CAK) is a calculated move that reflects the airline’s broader strategy to connect secondary cities while avoiding saturated hubs. Slated to begin on September 3, 2025, this new route will operate twice weekly and marks the airline’s fifth nonstop service from Daytona Beach.

For Daytona Beach, the new route is more than just another flight—it’s a testament to the airport’s post-pandemic recovery and strategic infrastructure investments. For Akron-Canton, it represents continued growth as a regional hub, bolstered by Breeze’s recent establishment of a crew base. With promotional fares starting at just $49, this route offers both affordability and convenience, aligning with evolving traveler preferences in a post-COVID world.

Market Expansion and Economic Impact

Breeze’s Growth Strategy and Route Model

Breeze Airways, founded by aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, has built its business model around connecting underserved city pairs. Unlike legacy carriers that rely on hub-and-spoke systems, Breeze leverages a point-to-point model that prioritizes direct routes between smaller airports. The DAB-CAK route is a textbook example of this approach, offering travelers a nonstop option where none previously existed.

According to Breeze CFO Trent Porter, Akron-Canton ranks among the airline’s top 10 performing airports. The decision to add Daytona Beach as a destination is part of a larger May 2025 expansion, in which Breeze added 16 new routes across the U.S. The airline now serves 72 cities with over 275 routes, and 87% of those routes face no direct competition—an impressive feat in a crowded industry.

The Airbus A220-300 aircraft used on this route is another strategic element. Known for its fuel efficiency and reduced noise footprint, the A220-300 features 36 premium seats, 10 extra-legroom seats, and 80 standard seats. These aircraft not only reduce operational costs but also align with consumer expectations for comfort and sustainability.

“Our model creates new traffic rather than diverting it from competitors. This is how we’ve added 29 cities and 88 routes in 2024 alone,” David Neeleman, CEO of Breeze Airways

Economic Benefits for Akron-Canton and Daytona Beach

In addition to expanding travel options, the new route is expected to have a measurable economic impact. Breeze’s investment in Akron-Canton includes a new crew base, complete with two stationed aircraft and over 60 local jobs. This move further solidifies CAK’s role as a regional hub and supports Ohio’s broader air service restoration initiatives.

Daytona Beach International Airport, meanwhile, continues to rebound from pandemic-era disruptions. In 2023, DAB surpassed its pre-pandemic passenger numbers, serving 719,775 travelers compared to 713,287 in 2019. The airport’s $13 million renovation has enhanced its appeal to carriers like Breeze, and the addition of new routes helps diversify its offerings beyond traditional legacy airlines.

Local officials, including Volusia County Manager George Recktenwald, have credited these infrastructure improvements with attracting Breeze. The new route also marks the first nonstop service from Daytona Beach to the Midwest, opening up new tourism and business travel opportunities for the region.

Consumer Appeal and Ticket Pricing

Affordability remains a cornerstone of Breeze’s appeal. The airline is offering promotional one-way fares for the DAB-CAK route starting at $49, available until May 13, 2025. Regular fares begin at $69, maintaining the airline’s ultra-low-cost positioning while offering flexible service tiers.

Flights will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays, catering to both leisure travelers and weekend commuters. With amenities like in-seat power, Wi-Fi, and extra legroom options, Breeze aims to provide a comfortable experience without the price tag of traditional carriers.

This pricing model is especially attractive in a climate where travelers are increasingly cost-conscious. The rise in point-to-point, low-cost carriers reflects a broader industry trend toward minimizing layovers and maximizing convenience—factors that have become more important since the pandemic.

Industry Trends and Competitive Landscape

Shifting Preferences in Air Travel

The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered consumer behavior in the travel sector. There’s been a marked shift toward nonstop routes, regional airports, and low-cost options. Airlines like Breeze have capitalized on this shift by offering direct connections between cities that previously required cumbersome layovers.

In March 2025, U.S. airlines collectively increased seat capacity by 7%, with ultra-low-cost carriers leading the charge. Breeze’s growth outpaced many of its competitors, thanks in part to its efficient fleet and strategic route planning. The airline’s point-to-point model reduces operational complexity and appeals to travelers seeking faster, more direct journeys.

Secondary airports like DAB and CAK have become increasingly attractive as a result. With lower operating costs and less congestion, these airports offer a smoother experience for both airlines and passengers. CAK, for instance, boasts an average security wait time of just 10 minutes—a significant advantage over larger hubs.

Competition Among Low-Cost Carriers

Breeze is entering a competitive yet fragmented market. Other ultra-low-cost carriers like Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines have also seen significant growth, with Allegiant reporting a 22% increase in seat capacity in March 2025. Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines has scaled back, reducing capacity by 12% amid financial challenges.

What differentiates Breeze is its hybrid model that combines budget fares with premium amenities. The airline’s “BreezeThru” one-stop service and tiered pricing structure allow it to appeal to a broader demographic, from cost-conscious travelers to those willing to pay extra for added comfort.

Additionally, Breeze’s ability to avoid direct competition by targeting unserved or underserved routes gives it a strategic edge. The DAB-CAK route, for example, faces no current competition, allowing Breeze to build market share without battling incumbents.

Future Outlook and Strategic Implications

The success of the Daytona Beach to Akron-Canton route could serve as a blueprint for future expansions. As Breeze continues to add destinations and grow its fleet, its focus on secondary markets is likely to remain a core part of its strategy. The airline has already added 29 cities and 88 new routes in 2024 alone, signaling aggressive but calculated growth.

For regional airports, partnerships with carriers like Breeze offer a path to increased visibility and economic development. Both DAB and CAK are well-positioned to benefit from this trend, especially as travelers look for alternatives to crowded major airports.

Looking ahead, the aviation industry is expected to continue evolving toward more decentralized, passenger-friendly models. Breeze’s expansion is not only a response to current market conditions but also a forecast of where air travel is headed in the next decade.

Conclusion

Breeze Airways’ new route from Daytona Beach to Akron-Canton is more than just another flight—it’s a strategic move that encapsulates the changing dynamics of domestic air travel. By focusing on underserved markets, offering competitive fares, and leveraging efficient aircraft, Breeze is carving out a unique space in the low-cost airline sector.

As regional airports like DAB and CAK continue to gain prominence, the success of this route could pave the way for similar expansions. For travelers, the benefits are clear: more choices, lower prices, and greater convenience. For the industry, Breeze’s model offers a compelling case study in sustainable, demand-driven growth.

FAQ

When does the Daytona Beach to Akron-Canton route begin?
Service begins on September 3, 2025, with flights operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

What is the starting fare for the new route?
Introductory one-way fares start at $49, available for booking until May 13, 2025.

What kind of aircraft will Breeze use for this route?
The Airbus A220-300, known for its efficiency and comfort, will be used on this route.

What other destinations does Breeze serve from Daytona Beach?
Breeze also offers nonstop flights to Hartford (CT), White Plains (NY), Raleigh-Durham (NC), and Providence (RI).

Why is this route significant for Daytona Beach?
It marks the first nonstop service to the Midwest from DAB and reflects the airport’s post-pandemic growth strategy.

Sources: Daytona Beach News-Journal, Aviation Pros, Simple Flying