Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport experienced a decrease in passenger traffic for the first time in several years, with a decline of 8. 5% from 2024 to 2025. This decrease can be attributed to a combination of factors, including financial troubles and cutbacks from some of the airport’s top airlines, as well as the closure of a regional airline and tense relations between the U. S. and Canadian governments.

Spirit Airlines, the leading carrier at the airport with a market share of 28%, saw a decrease in passengers of 18. 3%, as the airline underwent a Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. Similarly, Southwest Airlines, which saw a change in leadership and restructuring of operations, experienced a 24. 1% decrease in traffic. Silver Airways, a regional airline based in Hollywood, also went out of business after filing for bankruptcy in 2024.

Other contributing factors to the decline in passenger traffic include a decrease in flights from Azul, the largest airline in Brazil, as well as a decrease in traffic from Air Canada, the main carrier for Canadian snowbirds. EL AL Israel, which served flights to and from Tel Aviv, also phased out its service at the airport in favor of Miami International Airport.

While Fort Lauderdale airport officials were not available to discuss the results for 2025, it is expected that the airport will see a rebound in passenger traffic in the coming year. Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines, two discount carriers, have added flights at the airport and others, such as Breeze and Bahamasair, have stepped in to fill the void left by Silver Airways.

But the biggest potential for growth comes from JetBlue Airways, the second-largest carrier at the airport, which has been investing in improving its service and finances. Although their takeover bid for Spirit was blocked, JetBlue remains committed to Fort Lauderdale as one of its “focus” cities. They have plans to collaborate with the airport to build a new Terminal 5 on the southeast side of the airport.

JetBlue’s market share at the airport increased to 20. 6% in 2025, despite a 2. 9% decrease in traffic. According to the airline’s president, Martin St. George, Fort Lauderdale is an important market for JetBlue, as it serves as a connection gateway between the Northeast and their robust Latin and Caribbean network. With their focus on customer experience and competitive low fares, JetBlue is confident in their ability to bring value and choice to customers in Fort Lauderdale and across South Florida.