South Florida-TCI flights could get a whole lot more affordable

By Alexander Britell

MIAMI — JetBlue is launching a major new route from Fort Lauderdale.

The company has announced plans to operate daily nonstop flights between Fort Lauderdale and Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The new flights, which are slated to begin in November, are subject to government approval.

“The Caribbean is an important international market for us and the announced service from Turks and Caicos will help us to expand our reach in this region,” said Fernando Harb, vice president for tourism sales at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The flights could make provide a more affordable option than what have traditionally been very expensive flights between Miami and Providenciales on American Airlines.

“[The] Daily non-stop flight from Fort Lauderdale to Providenciales with JetBlue is indeed good news,” said Turks and Caicos Tourism Minister Porsha Stubbs-Smith. “This flight will make our destination more accessible for our visitors from South Florida, Central Florida and surrounding states, and will offer our people more options for travel to the United States, whether it be business or pleasure.”

JetBlue will operate the flights on E190 aircraft.

The carrier currently operates flights between New York and Providenciales and seasonal service out of Boston.