JetBlue is launching new nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Aruba (AUA) early next year. The daily flights begin Jan. 4, with introductory one-way fares from $99. This route complements JetBlue’s existing daily flights to Aruba from New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS), further expanding the carrier’s presence in the Caribbean market.
JetBlue will operate the Fort Lauderdale–Aruba rotation with an Airbus A320. Outbound flights depart Fort Lauderdale at 11:22 a.m. and land in Aruba at 3:24 p.m. Return service leaves Aruba at 4:20 p.m., arriving back in Fort Lauderdale at 6:25 p.m. The A320 cabins offer complimentary onboard amenities, including Wi-Fi, unlimited name-brand snacks and sodas, live DirecTV programming, SiriusXM radio and more.
JetBlue is also enhancing its premium offering to Aruba: Mint service will be added to the current New York route on Sept. 10 and to the Boston route on Nov. 5, providing an elevated experience for transcontinental customers.
Aruba’s tourism officials welcomed the new connection. Otmar Oduber, Aruba’s minister of tourism, transportation, primary sector and culture, noted that the island saw 1.22 million stay-over visitors in 2015 and recorded a 7.7 percent increase in U.S. travelers that year. “As Aruba grows annually, JetBlue remains a valuable partner in accommodating the increased demand for travel to our one happy island — where year-round sunshine, award-winning beaches and diverse culture are only the beginning of the Aruba adventure,” Oduber said.
Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority, highlighted the strategic value of the Fort Lauderdale link. “Aruba’s expanded partnership with JetBlue will continue to raise our island’s tourism to new heights. This new daily service allows Aruba to cater to our key Fort Lauderdale market — while also serving as a crucial feeder market for U.S. westerners who have shown an increased propensity to visit Aruba in recent years,” she said.
Dave Clark, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning, emphasized the appeal of Aruba for the airline’s customers. “We are thrilled to announce more Fort Lauderdale growth and new nonstop service to Aruba. With miles of picturesque beaches, a variety of outdoor and beach activity options and fantastic resorts, Aruba continues to be a destination JetBlue customers can’t get enough of. With new flights from Fort Lauderdale we are making it easier than ever to get to Aruba no matter where our customers are flying from,” Clark said.
JetBlue currently holds the largest market share at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and plans to expand its presence there to 140 daily departures, reinforcing Fort Lauderdale as a key base for Caribbean and domestic travel.