Avelo Airlines Exits Bradley International, Cuts Key Routes

Avelo Airlines has announced its decision to discontinue service from Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, effective January 2024. This exit reduces travel options for passengers seeking flights to popular destinations, including Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Fort Myers, Florida.

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) confirmed that Avelo will cease operations at Bradley International, the second-largest airport in New England. Earlier in October, the airline indicated it would withdraw from three significant routes. Flights between Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina and Montego Bay will be canceled starting January 3, 2024. Avelo will also terminate service to Fort Myers, Florida, on January 7, 2024. Additionally, the connection between Lakeland, Florida, and Long Island, New York, was eliminated on November 30, 2023.

In a statement expressing disappointment, Avelo acknowledged the impact of its decision on customers. The airline emphasized that it would refund passengers with existing bookings on the canceled flights. “Like all business decisions we make, this exit was made based on facts – the revenues on the market did not cover the costs,” the airline stated. They refuted any insinuations about the decision being driven by factors other than financial realities, reaffirming their commitment to maintaining operations in Connecticut through low fares from New Haven Tweed Airport.

Avelo’s departure follows that of Spirit Airlines, which also announced the end of its service from Bradley starting October 31, 2023. The CAA noted that Avelo provided the only non-stop connection from Connecticut to Montego Bay, making this withdrawal particularly significant.

The authority expressed disappointment over Avelo’s decision, especially concerning the cancellation of the route to Jamaica. “The CAA is especially disappointed on behalf of the community, which has fought so hard to secure non-stop service to Jamaica over recent years,” they stated. The CAA highlighted the strong ridership, financial incentives, and community support that had backed this route.

Moreover, the CAA disclosed that Avelo sought to be released from its contractual obligations to pay rent at Bradley after completing a year of incentivized, rent-free operations. While they acknowledged Avelo’s financial challenges, the CAA emphasized that they could not relieve the airline of its financial commitments after investing significantly in its success.

In a broader context, Avelo’s strategy has seen shifts recently, including a decision in July to exit the West Coast market entirely, with all routes and flights canceled as of December 2, 2023. A spokesperson for Avelo indicated that they are currently not seeing sufficient demand to sustain the larger capacity of their aircraft.

As the travel landscape continues to evolve, Avelo’s exit from Bradley International Airport underscores the challenges airlines face in maintaining profitability amid fluctuating demand and operational costs. The CAA’s ongoing efforts to secure robust air service for Connecticut residents remain a priority as the local travel market navigates these changes.