Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman on Challenges for Startup Carriers — Full Video
Photo Credit: Breeze Airways CEO David Neeleman speaking at Skift Aviation Forum in Fort Worth, Texas on December 3, 2025. Skift
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David Neeleman said there's limited space for new entrants as the "big four" U.S. airlines grow more powerful.
Speaking at Wednesday's Skift Aviation Forum in Fort Worth, Texas, David Neeleman, founder and CEO of Breeze Airways, shared his thoughts on everything from growth opportunities for emerging carriers to the recent government shutdown.
In a discussion with Skift airlines editor Gordon Smith, Neeleman called the record-breaking 43-day shutdown the "worst one of all time," noting that it broke Breeze's streak of nearly 50,000 flights with a single cancellation.
Breeze, which is set to launch its first international flights in early 2026, has room to add "a lot" of international destinations to its offerings. So far, the focus has been on areas with inclusive resorts like Cancun and Montego Bay, Jamaica.
As for emerging carriers, Neeleman said there's limited space for new entrants as the "big four" U.S. airlines grow more powerful.
"Going to the teeth with those guys with the credit card revenue that they have, their international networks, t
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