Avelo Axes Three Routes, Including One That Never Launched

3 weeks ago 3

Avelo Airlines has decided to cut three routes from its schedule, including one that hadn’t even started operating yet. The Houston-based airline confirmed Thursday that it will cease service on three routes from April 28, axing flights that have struggled to generate sufficient demand. The cuts include two routes that were launched just last fall and one that was still weeks away from starting.

The first route to be canceled is the nonstop service between Hartford's Bradley International Airport (BDL) and Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB). This route began on November 8, 2024, and has only been operating for a few months. The second cut involves flights between Central Florida’s Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) and New Hampshire’s Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), which started in late October 2024. Avelo will also halt the planned service between Hartford’s BDL and North Carolina’s Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA), which had been scheduled to begin in early April.

Avelo readily explained the rationale behind slashing these routes to The Points Guy, with a spokesperson saying, "These routes generated low demand, and we can better utilize our aircraft with new routes or additional frequencies in these markets." This is a common strategy for budget carriers, which often make quick decisions to adjust their schedules in response to customer demand.

The decision to end Avelo’s Hartford-to-Daytona Beach route wasn’t entirely unexpected, especially after the airline had already reduced several other flights from Hartford. Last month, Avelo said it had reassessed its strategy in Connecticut, where it maintains a strong presence at Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN). A spokesperson confirmed to TPG that, moving forward, the ultra-low-cost airline would concentrate its domestic operations in New Haven and shift its focus in Hartford to international flights.

These few route cuts aren’t putting a damper on Avelo’s ongoing growth, however. The airline recently unveiled a major expansion, adding 13 new routes, including 10 from North Carolina. On March 6, Avelo launched a new base at Concord-Padgett, with another set to open at Wilmington International Airport (ILM) on April 3, further boosting its presence in the state.

For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.