JetBlue will begin nonstop service between Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Aruba (AUA) early next year. The daily flights start on Jan. 4, with one-way fares starting at $99. This new route complements JetBlue’s existing daily flights to Aruba from New York (JFK) and Boston (BOS). In addition, JetBlue will introduce Mint premium service on the New York and Boston routes on Sept. 10 and Nov. 5, respectively.
Aruba welcomed 1.22 million stay-over visitors in 2015, including a 7.7 percent increase in U.S. travelers, according to Otmar Oduber, Aruba’s minister of tourism, transportation, primary sector and culture. As Aruba’s tourism continues to grow, Oduber said JetBlue’s expanded service helps meet rising demand to the island renowned for year-round sunshine, award-winning beaches and diverse culture.
Flights from Fort Lauderdale depart at 11:22 a.m. and arrive in Aruba at 3:24 p.m. Return service departs Aruba at 4:20 p.m., arriving back in Fort Lauderdale at 6:25 p.m. The route will be operated with an Airbus A320 offering complimentary Wi-Fi, unlimited name-brand snacks and sodas, live DirecTV programming, SiriusXM radio and other inflight amenities.
“Aruba’s expanded partnership with JetBlue will continue to raise our island’s tourism to new heights,” said Ronella Tjin Asjoe-Croes, CEO of the Aruba Tourism Authority. She noted the new daily service strengthens Aruba’s connection to the key Fort Lauderdale market and serves as an important feeder to visitors from the western United States, where interest in Aruba has grown in recent years.
Dave Clark, JetBlue’s vice president of network planning, said the carrier is pleased to grow its Fort Lauderdale presence and add nonstop service to Aruba. “With miles of picturesque beaches, abundant outdoor and beach activities, and excellent resorts, Aruba remains a highly desirable destination for our customers,” Clark said. “These new flights from Fort Lauderdale make Aruba more accessible for travelers across our network.”
JetBlue is currently the largest carrier at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and plans to expand service there to 140 daily flights, further strengthening its offerings from the South Florida gateway.