JetBlue is deepening its investment in Puerto Rico with a major route expansion that will add five new nonstop flights from San Juan beginning in spring 2026, marking one of the airline’s most significant commitments to the island in recent years. The move strengthens Puerto Rico’s connectivity to key U.S. mainland markets and underscores the carrier’s long-term growth strategy across the Northeast, Florida, and the Caribbean.
The New York–based airline announced it will launch service from San Juan (SJU) to Philadelphia (PHL), Jacksonville (JAX), Norfolk (ORF), Richmond (RIC), and Buffalo (BUF). JetBlue described the additions as a strategic expansion of its San Juan focus city and a response to growing demand for leisure and visiting-friends-and-relatives travel. The new routes will operate year-round and begin with introductory fares of 99 dollars one way, available on the airline’s website.
JetBlue emphasized that the expansion “marks a major step in supporting Puerto Rico’s air connectivity and economic growth,” noting that it already provides more seats and destinations between the island and the continental United States than any other carrier. With these additions, JetBlue will serve 22 nonstop destinations from San Juan and maintain more than 40 daily departures next spring.
Schedules for the new SJU routes will roll out in March 2026 with a mix of daily and select-day operations. According to the airline, the added flights will strengthen access to both established East Coast markets and mid-sized cities with growing Caribbean-bound demand.
The San Juan expansion follows recent frequency increases between the island and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), where JetBlue now flies six peak daily flights. The airline said the additional capacity is meant to match rising customer demand between Puerto Rico and South Florida while solidifying JetBlue’s competitive position in one of its strongest leisure corridors.
Growth Extends to Upstate and Western New York
Alongside the Caribbean expansion, JetBlue also unveiled new service connecting Buffalo (BUF) and Syracuse (SYR) to Florida and Puerto Rico. Buffalo will gain year-round flights to both Fort Myers (RSW) and San Juan (SJU), while Syracuse will see new nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale (FLL). These additions, the airline said, support its broader strategy to expand connectivity for travelers across Upstate and Western New York.
The new service complements JetBlue’s previously announced Rochester (ROC)–Orlando (MCO) route and continues the carrier’s push to offer more direct options to warm-weather destinations. Introductory fares for select Florida routes start at 59 dollars one way.
All flights will feature JetBlue’s standard onboard amenities, including free high-speed Fly-Fi internet, complimentary snacks and drinks, and seatback entertainment—elements the airline highlighted as central to maintaining a consistent customer experience across its fleet.
Deepening Long-Term Commitments in Puerto Rico
Beyond network expansion, JetBlue said its presence in Puerto Rico reflects a broader commitment to the island’s communities and economic development. Nearly 800 crewmembers live and work in Puerto Rico in roles spanning customer service, flight operations, maintenance, and in-flight services.
A renewed Cooperative Marketing Agreement with the Puerto Rico Tourism Company will support promotional campaigns for the newly announced routes, focusing on long-term route sustainability and expanded visibility for the island across major U.S. markets. According to JetBlue, the marketing partnership is designed to strengthen tourism growth and help broaden Puerto Rico’s appeal to new travelers.
Puerto Rico has been a key part of JetBlue’s strategy since the airline launched operations there more than two decades ago. San Juan remains one of JetBlue’s most important leisure gateways, and the carrier continues to position itself as the island’s largest and most comprehensive U.S. mainland partner.
A Strengthened Caribbean Footprint Ahead
The combined expansions in San Juan, Buffalo, and Syracuse position JetBlue for increased competition across both Caribbean and Florida markets. Demand for warm-weather travel has remained resilient, and Puerto Rico—an island U.S. territory requiring no passport for U.S. citizens—has seen steady tourism increases as airlines add more capacity.
With new routes launching in 2026 and additional marketing partnerships underway, JetBlue is staking a larger claim in one of the most competitive leisure regions in the hemisphere. As the carrier put it, its San Juan expansion “marks a major step in supporting Puerto Rico’s air connectivity and economic growth,” reinforcing an island footprint that continues to grow year after year.
