Nov. 15—Getting to New Orleans from Pittsburgh next year to join the Mardi Gras parade should be more of a breeze.
Breeze Airways will launch a twice-weekly nonstop flight to the Big Easy from Pittsburgh International Airport on Feb. 3, just in time for Mardi Gras.
It will mark the first time the region has had a nonstop to New Orleans since April 2021, when Allegiant Air discontinued its flight.
The new flight will operate on Mondays and Fridays, with base fares starting as low as $79 one way.
Breeze also will be restarting twice-weekly service to Hartford, Conn., on the same day, with flights on Mondays and Fridays as well. Base fares will start at $49 one way.
The airline, which got off the ground in May 2021, had dropped the Hartford service last July.
"Breeze always looks for underserved routes where we can add nonstop flights, low fares and our brand of Seriously Nice service," Tom Doxey, the airline's president, said in a statement. "We're thrilled to add service from Pittsburgh to two of our bases in Hartford and New Orleans."
"We are excited to see Breeze expanding in Pittsburgh and offering our market more options to popular destinations," added Bryan Dietz, senior vice president of air service and commercial development for the Allegheny County Airport Authority, which runs Pittsburgh International.
"Thanks to our partners at Breeze for recognizing the strength of the Pittsburgh market as they continue to expand their service here."
Backed by $560,000 in subsidies, Breeze landed in Pittsburgh in July 2021 with flights to four cities: Hartford; Providence, R.I.; Charleston, S.C.; and Norfolk, Va.
But it has been a turbulent ride since then, with the airline trimming and then discontinuing some flights.
It currently flies twice a week to Charleston and Providence.
Bob Kerlik, an airport authority spokesman, said no additional incentives are being paid for the New Orleans flight or the return of the Hartford service.
Pittsburgh was one of 16 cities that was part of Breeze's initial route network. The airline now offers 106 nonstop routes between 35 cities in 20 states.
The carrier offers a la carte and bundled options in terms of fares. With the base fare, for instance, passengers can bring one personal item with them on the plane but no carry-on, which would involve an extra charge. The same with a checked bag.
Higher fares include carry-ons and checked bags, drinks and snacks, and priority boarding in the price.
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