Breeze to launch nonstop service from RIC to Cancun

Starting Jan. 8, 2027, Richmond travelers seeking sun and fun can catch a quick, nonstop flight with Breeze Airways to Cancún, Mexico.

The RIC-to-CUN route will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays through the spring, airline and airport officials said in a surprising Cinco de Mayo statement announcing the new service.

For a limited time, low introductory fares will be available for the route to celebrate the announcement.  

“Breeze Airways’ new nonstop service to Cancún strengthens Richmond International Airport’s vision to be the region’s preferred gateway to the world by enhancing the customer experience with convenient international connectivity,” said RIC president and CEO Perry J. Miller.

“For the first time in more than a decade, Richmond-area travelers will enjoy direct access to one of Mexico’s most in-demand destinations, connecting our region with the Yucatán Peninsula’s vibrant culture, world-renowned beaches, and rich history.”

The addition of the Cancún route marks the return of scheduled service to and from Richmond for the first time since Vacation Express last operated flights to the popular Mexican leisure destination in 2014 and 2015.

“Richmond hasn't had nonstop flights to Cancún for more than a decade, so we know our guests will love this new service launching in January,” David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways said in a statement. “The convenience of a destination like this, being able to travel right from your hometown airport without having to connect, is significant, and gives travelers more time to enjoy their vacations.”

Breeze marks its fifth anniversary at RIC in July, and currently offers flights to more than a dozen destinations from RIC – Tampa Bay, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Fort Myers, Florida; San Francisco; Charleston, South Carolina; Las Vegas; New Orleans; Hartford and New Haven, Connecticut; Phoenix; Providence, Rhode Island; and Long Island/Islip, New York.

 This March, nearly 418,000 passengers passed through RIC during the busy spring break season, which is a a 5.5% increase over the same period last year. Passenger traffic data showed a 3% increase for fiscal year-to-date 2026, a year-to-year gain of more than 100,000 passengers.

The Cancún announcement comes after Spirit Airlines ceased operations Saturday, leaving thousands of passengers stranded, 17,000 employees out of work, and Richmond travelers searching for new ways to afford a flight. Airlines also are contending with the rising cost of jet fuel, passing on many costs to passengers, by raising checked bag fees or adding fuel surcharges.

“RIC is glad to have this good news to share,” said RIC spokesperson Troy M. Bell.

Combined with JetBlue’s recently launched San Juan, Puerto Rico flights, the Breeze announcement means that RIC will simultaneously offer nonstop service to two distinct Caribbean destinations.

RIC has a Federal Inspection Station for U.S. Customs clearance and is in contact with United States Customs and Border Protections about serving passengers on the Cancún flights, firming up the initial schedule on Tuesday as the announcement went out.

“RIC has been actively pitching Richmond-Cancún as a good route opportunity for several quarters,” Bell said. “Breeze’s operating approach which embraces point-to-point service makes it possible. Nonstop service to a high-demand international destination is a win for the community and Richmond was one of the largest eastern U.S. markets without service to CUN until this announcement.” 

RIC staffers and the Capital Region Airport Commission members hold aspirations for another nonstop flight – to Europe – from RIC, which Bell called a work in progress, with the key issues to fall into place being hub connectivity, aircraft size and operators.

Employees at the Greater Richmond Partnership are heading up an RIC International Air Service Task Force to evaluate that route.

Dina Weinstein is the Citizen’s community vitality reporter and a Report for America corps member, covering housing, health and transportation. Support her work and articles like this one by making a contribution to the Citizen.