Airlines and airports are making moves across North America that will affect how and where passengers travel. Here’s what’s new and happening across the airline industry, from expanded routes in Florida to streamlined border processing in Toronto and upgraded lounge experiences in Texas.
JetBlue Expands at Florida Hub
At Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, JetBlue is deepening its investment in South Florida by expanding service from one of its key focus cities. The airline will convert its seasonal route between Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville, FL, into a year-round daily service beginning June 18.
Additional capacity is also coming to several existing routes. Flights between Fort Lauderdale and Cartagena, Colombia, will increase from four weekly departures to daily service starting June 11, while connections to Dallas/Fort Worth and Tampa will double from once daily to twice daily starting on June 18.
According to the airline, the expansion reflects strong regional demand and its continued efforts to strengthen connectivity from its South Florida hub. Over the past year alone, JetBlue has added 20 destinations from Fort Lauderdale.
U.S. Preclearance Now at Toronto Airport
In Canada, cross-border travel just became easier for passengers departing downtown Toronto. Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport has opened a long-awaited U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance facility, allowing travelers to complete U.S. immigration and customs procedures before boarding their flights.
The new facility means passengers arriving in the U.S. are treated as domestic travelers, bypassing customs lines and making onward connections smoother. Preclearance also enables service to U.S. airports that lack customs facilities.
As a result, Air Canada will launch a new route between Billy Bishop and LaGuardia Airport in New York on March 29—an option that previously would not have been possible.
The opening also marks a milestone for the airport, bringing its total to nine Canadian airports offering U.S. preclearance. The facility is expected to support growing competition at the downtown airport, where Porter Airlines has historically dominated transborder flights but where Air Canada has been expanding its footprint with upcoming routes to Chicago O’Hare and Washington Dulles.
American to Double the Size of Austin Lounge
Further south, airport amenities are also evolving as airlines compete for premium travelers. American Airlines has announced plans for a new 12,000-sf Admirals Club lounge at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport.
The new lounge will feature a first for the airline’s Admirals Club network: an outdoor terrace offering sweeping views of downtown Austin and the airfield. Inside, the space will be organized into dedicated areas for working, dining and relaxing, reflecting the airline’s focus on more flexible, experience-driven airport environments.
Construction is expected to begin this year, while the airline’s current lounge at the airport will remain open during the build.
