SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- One of South Bend International Airports newest carriers, Breeze Airways, celebrated its inaugural flight from South Bend to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers on Wednesday.

The flight took off at 10:55 a.m., and to celebrate, passengers on the inaugural flight were treated to a gate party that included cookies, beach balls, photo opportunities, and more.

"We're super excited to be here today. Breeze Airways is starting their inaugural flight to Fort Myers," said SBN's Vice President of Marketing & Air Service Development Julie Curtis. "We've got a plane full of people going out today. We've had a gate party. There's been a lot of excitement for this new nonstop route."

The flight will regularly operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays seasonally through April 26, 2025.

"The reaction has been fantastic. Some passengers know that they're on the inaugural flight. Others do not, and are surprised when they walk up and saw all of the goodies and the celebration that we have going on here," said Curtis.

"We've met some very cool people. Some people have second homes in the Fort Myers area. Others are visiting for the very first time, so we're excited to have everybody on board here today."

In addition to Fort Myers, Breeze flies year-round to Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) from SBN. Those flights began in November 2024.

"Breeze started back in November, two routes to Orlando and Washington Dulles," Curtis said. "So, we're thrilled that this is their third nonstop route that they're starting from South Bend International Airport."