Official Newsletter of Broward County's Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport | | |
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Mark E. Gale
CEO/Director of Aviation
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
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Hello FLLyers,
As fall continues to settle in, we welcome cooler days in South Florida as we inch closer to the year-end holiday season. Several key activities occurred around FLL during the month that are highlighted in this edition.
During the month, the 67th Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show opened on October 28 for five days through November 1. The annual boating extravaganza attracted more than 100,000 attendees in 2025 and featured over 1,300 vessels and 1,000 exhibitors from 50-plus countries.
On October 26, Aeromexico announced plans for new daily nonstop service to FLL from Mexico City starting in January 2027. That same day, the Broward County Aviation Department (BCAD) welcomed the return of BermudAir with seasonal service to Belize and Turks & Caicos, with flights to Bermuda poised to resume in December from FLL.
On October 24, BCAD hosted another Honor Flight South Florida (HFSF) "Operation Homecoming," in partnership with the nonprofit and its airline partner Southwest. These events recognize and celebrate the invaluable service of U.S. veterans to this country. It was FLL's second Honor Flight for 2026 and signaled HFSF’s 40th mission serving its 2,500th veteran.
On October 21, Port Everglades (PEV) kicked off another peak cruise season and is projecting to welcome over 4.9 million (multi-day and daily) cruise passengers in fiscal year 2027. FLL is always a top choice for cruise passengers sailing from Fort Lauderdale due to its proximity to PEV, our sister agency, and Broward County seaport.
November marks the first anniversary of FLL operations for Breeze Airways, which over the year has grown its footprint here from two destinations to more than 12. North Perry Airport (HWO), our general aviation facility, will host its first-ever 5K Race on November 7, and we’re excited to welcome participants to this unique and fun community engagement event.
As a reminder, there’s still a few weeks remaining of the Atlantic hurricane season, so, let’s stay ready and prepared!
Happy Halloween!
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There’s still time to lace up your sneakers and join us at HWO for its first 5K on the Runway on November 7. A Kids Dash special race registration is also available for ages 10 and under. Secure your spot or your family's and be part of a one-of-a-kind race experience.
Hosted by Broward County District 7 Commissioner Alexandra P. Davis, the 5K will be extra special because runways and planes will be part of the experience. The day’s schedule starts at 6 AM with registration/packet pickup, followed by a warm-up at 7AM before the race begins at 7:30AM. Don’t miss out, so register now.
| | Aeromexico Plans FLL Return | |
Photo Credit: Aeromexico
Mexico City flight on tap
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Aeromexico, billed as Mexico's only full-service carrier offering a premium travel experience, announced on October 26 it plans to offer daily service between FLL and Mexico City's Benito Juárez International Airport on January 14, 2027. The Mexican carrier plans to operate its new Fort Lauderdale service with eco-friendly Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft with 166 seats, including 16 in business class.
The new Mexico City route will be FLL's first since JetBlue Airways ended service there in January 2020. Aeromexico previously operated at FLL in 2006-7 and 2003-4 with service to Mexico City.
| | BermudAir Launches Seasonal Routes | | FLL welcomed back BermudAir on October 26 with new nonstop service to Belize City, Belize, and Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, on its 96-seat Embraer 190 on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays through May 3, 2027. These seasonal routes give passengers more ways to visit these popular destinations during the peak travel season. In December, the carrier will begin seasonal flying to Hamilton, Bermuda. We're happy to add these routes to our airport's expanding destination portfolio and wish our returning airline partner continued success. | | |
Photo Credit: United Airlines
Hollywood-themed celebrations
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Chicago-based United Airlines launched new nonstop service from FLL to the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on October 25. Passengers departing on the inaugural Flight 684 from FLL were treated to refreshments at the gate and onboard giveaways.
United will initially operate five weekly flights to LAX using Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft and then increase the frequency to twice daily in mid-December through early January for the peak year-end holiday season. LAX is also served by two other carriers at FLL.
| | | | FLL, in partnership with Southwest Airlines, proudly hosted Honor Flight Mission 40 on October 24. The program provides veterans with a heartfelt journey to Washington, D.C., where they visit the memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifices. On their return to FLL, the veterans are greeted with community support, cheers, and gratitude from families, airport staff, and volunteers. Each Honor Flight is a moving reminder of the respect and appreciation owed to those who serve our country. FLL is honored to be the gateway for this unforgettable experience, ensuring every veteran receives the recognition they deserve. | | Patriotic livery for training plane | | FLL, in partnership with the Broward Cultural Division, inaugurated its latest public artwork in late October, titled "Wings of Freedom" by South Florida artist Ivan Roque, in honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. Painted on a non-operational Boeing 727 airplane parked by the North Runway at FLL, "Wings of Freedom" is a monumental artwork that celebrates the enduring human pursuit of liberty, using birds as timeless symbols of freedom and the American spirit. Inspired by the artist's personal family history, the nation's founding ideals, and the evolution of flight, the artwork reflects America's promise as a place where people of diverse backgrounds can live freely and pursue opportunity. | | Sharing their message of service | | FLL participated in the Broward County Chamber of Commerce’s 2026 Seniors & Boomers Services Show on October 15 to share airport volunteer opportunities with over 500 attendees. The FLL team, which included volunteer Ambassadors Ana Ruiz and Bruce Richard, highlighted the rewards of serving travelers and making a difference in the airport experience. While FLL Ambassadors are known for welcoming and assisting travelers at FLL, this event allowed them to extend that hospitality into the community, sharing the personal benefits of service, and inspiring others to join the airport’s Ambassador family. Visit this link to learn about our volunteer programs. | | |
| JetBlue Airways added two new routes from FLL to Colombia during October, bringing its total cities served in the South American country to four. The airline’s nonstop daily service to Cali launched on October 15 to provide another option for South Floridians to travel to the city dubbed the "Salsa Capital of the World." This new route offers convenient access to Cali's culture, city life, and regional attractions while strengthening South Florida's ties to Latin America. Meanwhile, on October 1, JetBlue debuted nonstop daily flights to Barranquilla. The celebrations for both new routes included gate festivities with music and light refreshments before passengers boarded their flights to Colombia's vibrant Caribbean coast. Experience Barranquilla's culture. | | Globetrotter now volunteer |
| With nearly 600 volunteer hours and three and a half years of service at FLL, Airport Ambassador Christine Johnson brings a smile, patience, and a world of travel experience to Terminal 4. A former global executive with more than one million Star Alliance miles, Johnson knows firsthand how stressful travel can be. She loves helping passengers navigate their journeys in English or Spanish. One memorable moment came when she calmed down and assisted a confused elderly passenger who had wandered from his gate, helping reunite him safely with his daughter. She describes her journey in the Airport Volunteer Ambassador Program as upbeat, intense, and challenging. When she's not at FLL, she travels, swims, bikes, hikes, and explores Florida. | | |
CHECK OUT THE SKY'S THE LIMIT MONTHLY STATS AT FLL.NET |
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FLLylights
Other key updates
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It's Fall-Back Time!
As Daylight Saving Time ends, don't forget to set your clock and other timekeeping devices back by one hour on Sunday, November 1, at 2AM.
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USA Today Results
FLL was selected in October among the top 10 ranked locations in USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards categories for Best Airport for Art (No. 7) and Best Airport Bar Whisky River (No. 9).
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Brown-eyed Sadie!
FLL AmbassaDog Sadie is a Golden Retriever from a litter of show dogs. She’s a clever pup that knows blue from yellow and can read cue cards.
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Avelo Relocates
Effective October 14, Avelo Airlines flights to and from FLL operate from Terminal 2 instead of Terminal 3.
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North Perry Fam Tour
New and current members of the BCAD Planning and Airport Expansion/Development teams visited HWO on October 9 for a familiarization tour of the general aviation facility. The group had a chance to see ongoing projects up-close and also got briefed on future ones in the pipeline.
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Dignified Transfer
For the second time in a month, the BCAD Security Division assisted the U.S. Department of War to organize a dignified military remains transfer ceremony at FLL on September 30. The remains of a U.S. Marine Corporal who died recently arrived in Fort Lauderdale on board an American Airlines flight.
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Broward County Aviation Department
320 Terminal Drive, Suite 200
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
For questions or story ideas, email the Public Information Office at FLLNews@broward.org.
| | FLL is a service of the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. | | | | |
