Ronkonkoma, New York – JetBlue Airways is set to begin operations at Long Island MacArthur Airport in October, launching nonstop flights to three destinations in Florida, as announced by Islip Town officials on Tuesday.
The addition of JetBlue, the sixth largest airline in the U.S., will make it the fourth carrier to operate out of the Islip Town-owned airport, alongside Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Breeze Airways.
Starting late October, JetBlue will offer daily service between Islip and Orlando, as well as four round-trip flights per week between Long Island and Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach.
According to Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, there has been significant demand from airport customers across Long Island for more air service at ISP, with JetBlue being one of the most frequently requested airlines.
The introduction of JetBlue comes amidst a series of upgrades at the airport, which have seen over $100 million invested in planning and capital projects since 2016, including the construction of a ground transportation center, walkway, and a fire rescue building.
The proposed $2.8 billion Midway Crossing project aims to connect a new MacArthur air terminal to the Long Island Rail Road Station in Ronkonkoma, featuring new constructions such as a convention center, a 300-room hotel, and health sciences facilities.
Town officials also highlighted a nearly 23% increase in domestic seats from various carriers operating out of MacArthur Airport in April this year, compared to the same period last year.
JetBlue’s Vice President of Network Planning and Airline Partnerships, Dave Jehn, stated that the airline’s selection of Florida destinations aligns with the popular travel choices for Long Islanders.
With around 1.2 million passengers passing through MacArthur Airport in 2023, Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken anticipates a surge in passenger traffic following JetBlue’s arrival.
Ahead of the summer season, the Transportation Security Administration at MacArthur has introduced new identification technology to enhance security and streamline passenger processes.
JetBlue’s entry into MacArthur Airport follows Breeze Airways, which began services in 2022. The airline’s founder, David Neeleman, launched the low-cost carrier in 2018, with operations commencing in 2021.
According to data from the U.S. Transportation Department, JetBlue ranked ninth among the ten largest airlines in terms of canceled flights and on-time arrivals last year.
The collaboration between JetBlue and MacArthur Airport signifies a significant milestone in enhancing air travel options for Long Island residents, further solidifying the airport’s position as a crucial hub for travel in the region.