Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is having a major moment. As JetBlue prepares to end all flights at Miami International Airport (MIA) this September, it’s making a strategic shift—one that places Fort Lauderdale front and center in South Florida’s air travel map. For Broward County, this isn’t just an airline update—it’s a lifestyle and economic boost that’s already rippling across the region.
JetBlue’s exit from MIA stems from poor performance on key routes, particularly Boston–Miami, where the airline was losing money. Rather than continue to operate at a loss, JetBlue is reallocating aircraft and energy to where the demand—and the potential—is higher: Fort Lauderdale.
That’s great news for Broward residents and businesses alike.
JetBlue already operates more than 70 daily flights out of FLL, and that number is expected to soar. By 2027, the airline plans to run over 250 flights per day from the airport, with new nonstop service to Philadelphia and Guayaquil, Ecuador, launching this summer. This expansion confirms what locals already know: Fort Lauderdale is no longer Miami’s quieter neighbor—it’s becoming a preferred hub for travel, investment, and elevated living.
A Lifestyle Boost, Not Just a Travel Perk
For travelers, the benefits are immediate—fewer delays, faster TSA lines, better parking, and easier access to a modern, more manageable airport. But the ripple effects go far deeper.
With increased traffic flowing through FLL, Broward’s hotels, restaurants, rideshare operators, and boutique retailers are all poised for a surge. More visitors mean more dollars spent locally, fueling small businesses and putting the spotlight on Broward as a destination in its own right—not just a stopover to Miami or the Keys.
JetBlue’s expanded presence is also drawing attention from developers, entrepreneurs, and real estate investors. Commercial corridors near the airport are heating up with renewed interest in mixed-use developments, logistics hubs, and hospitality ventures. From stylish co-working spaces to waterfront condos, the message is clear: growth is landing in Broward.
Infrastructure Rising to Meet the Moment
This growth isn’t going unchecked. Broward County is investing heavily in airport infrastructure, with major plans underway to expand Terminal 5, add a people mover system, and build a new intermodal transit center that will better connect passengers to Brightline, buses, and rental services. These projects are not only essential for capacity—they’re a signal that FLL is thinking ahead.
As a result, Fort Lauderdale is attracting more than just leisure travelers. It’s becoming a gateway for international business, remote professionals, and digital nomads who want big-city access without big-city chaos. And for locals, the convenience of flying in and out of your own backyard—without the slog to Miami—is increasingly appealing.
Broward’s Big Picture
JetBlue’s decision is part of a larger trend in post-pandemic air travel. Airlines are shifting away from crowded mega-hubs and betting on airports that offer efficiency, lower costs, and room to grow. Fort Lauderdale fits that model perfectly. And Broward, with its blend of luxury lifestyle, entrepreneurial energy, and infrastructure readiness, is more than prepared to take off.
For residents, this means better flight options, stronger local economy, and enhanced amenities. For business owners and investors, it means Broward is an increasingly smart place to bet on—and a region that’s rising with every new boarding pass scanned at FLL.
So as JetBlue prepares to leave Miami behind, Fort Lauderdale isn’t just picking up the slack. It’s claiming the spotlight.
