Avelo Airlines to cut 4 routes over next month, including pullback at world's busiest airport
Avelo Airlines is getting set to bolster its East Coast footprint with two new bases in North Carolina, as well as new international service that launches this weekend.
But it's also getting set to make some cuts over the coming weeks.
Between now and the end of March, the Houston-based ultra-low-cost carrier will trim four routes from its East Coast schedule — routes that, the carrier said, didn't generate enough interest from passengers.
Getting started: How to use points, miles and credit cards to travel
Avelo's 4 route cuts
Each of the four routes Avelo is eliminating from its network launched in November, so the carrier is not wasting any time searching for new, more profitable flying opportunities — a common tactic among budget airlines.
2 Wilmington, Delaware, routes cut
On the chopping block are two Avelo routes from Wilmington Airport (ILG) in Delaware: one to a tiny airport in North Carolina and another to the world's busiest airport.
After Feb. 27, the carrier will end its nonstop ILG service to Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) outside Charlotte and its ILG flights to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
Both routes had seen low passenger demand, an Avelo spokesperson told TPG.
Read more: The best credit card welcome bonuses right now
Rethinking Connecticut strategy
Then, late next month, the carrier will end two nonstop flights from Hartford's Bradley International Airport (BDL). March 30 will be the last day for Avelo's Hartford service to Concord and Wilmington.
That move comes as Avelo looks to restructure its Connecticut footprint: Going forward, the airline said, it'll primarily use its large Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) base for domestic service and nearby Hartford for its small international footprint.
Connecticut, the nation's third-smallest state by land mass, has become increasingly competitive turf for airlines — including for Avelo and Breeze Airways, the industry's two newest carriers.
New international routes and bases come online
It's not all bad news for Avelo, though.
The airline's two latest international routes take flight over the next 24 hours. Nonstop service from Hartford to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic began Friday. The carrier will also launch Dominican Republic flights from Raleigh, North Carolina, on Saturday.
Meanwhile, despite the cuts from Concord and Wilmington, the airline is hardly done with either city. It'll open crew bases at each over the next month and a half, starting with Concord on March 6 and then Wilmington on April 3.
As for Atlanta, cutting Wilmington will leave the carrier with just one route — to its New Haven base — from the major southeast airport.
Related reading:
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app