COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — After Spirit Airlines’ shutdown, the Columbus Regional Airport Authority is welcoming back a former airline, announcing new nonstop flights and outlining alternative travel options for passengers affected by the carrier’s closure.

In a news release, the airport shared that JetBlue will return to Columbus this year with nonstop service from John Glenn Columbus International to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International (FLL) beginning Nov. 3. The first incoming flight from Fort Lauderdale is scheduled to arrive on Nov. 2.

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“JetBlue’s return to Columbus this November with nonstop service to Fort Lauderdale ensures seamless access to a critical gateway for international travel,” Columbus Airport president and CEO Daren Griffin said, noting the route will connect travelers to destinations including Cancun, San Juan, Nassau, Cali and South American “hotspots” Cartagena and Guatemala City.

JetBlue’s Dave Jehn, vice president of network planning and airline partnerships, said the airline is excited to bring its low fares and customer experience back to Columbus.

“We’re proud to step in quickly with a new option that keeps customers connected to South Florida and beyond, especially to the Caribbean and Latin America, through one of JetBlue’s key focus cities,” said Jehn.

JetBlue last operated in Columbus in 2008.

Additionally, the airport announced that Breeze Airways will launch nonstop seasonal service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, from John Glenn International beginning Jan. 8.

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“We’re continuing to expand international service from Columbus with the addition of Punta Cana,” Griffin said. “For the first time in more than a decade, Columbus travelers can skip the layover and fly directly to one of the world’s most beautiful vacation spots.”

The twice-weekly route marks another milestone for Breeze, which will celebrate five years of service at CMH in July. Breeze founder and CEO David Neeleman said the airline is excited to offer Columbus travelers their only nonstop Caribbean island destination from their “hometown airport.”

“Now they’ll be able to travel to a great international destination, without the hassle of connecting through a major hub,” Neeleman said.

Breeze serves 14 nonstop destinations from Columbus.

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In addressing the collapse of Spirit, the airport acknowledged its impact on both passengers and employees in a news release.

“Our hearts go out to the Spirit team and to the passengers now navigating unexpected changes,” the statement read.

The airport also offered this guide for passengers looking to replace Spirit routes:

Fort Lauderdale (FLL)

• Southwest Airlines operates service to FLL on Thursdays through Mondays.• Allegiant Air also flies to Fort Lauderdale, departing from Rickenbacker (LCK), on Fridays and Mondays.

Orlando (MCO and SFB)

• Frontier Airlines flies Thursdays, Fridays, Sundays, and Mondays, growing to daily by summer.• Southwest Airlines offers three to five departures daily.• Allegiant Air flies into Orlando Sanford (SFB) from Rickenbacker on Mondays and Fridays; Wednesdays and Saturdays will be added to the schedule through the summer months.

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