Avelo Airlines Draws Down Service at 3 Hubs in Major Shakeup

Updated: January 7, 2026, 11:15am CST

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Avelo Will Close Bases in North Carolina, Arizona
Final Thoughts

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There was major news from Avelo Airlines overnight. The low-cost airline announced that it will focus on 4 main hubs and significantly decrease service from several hubs in North Carolina and Arizona.

Here’s what we know.

Avelo Will Close Bases in North Carolina, Arizona

Avelo Airlines announced it would close its bases in Mesa, Arizona (AZA), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), and Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM).

Instead, the airline says it will focus on 4 major hubs: New Haven (HVN), Philadelphia/Delaware Valley (ILG), Charlotte/Concord (USA), and Central Florida/Lakeland (LAL). Avelo also announced plans to open a base in Dallas/McKinney, Texas (TKI) in late 2026. Additionally, the airline will remove 6 Boeing Next-Generation 737-700 aircraft from its fleet, but will keep its Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft.

Avelo is calling these moves a financial decision and will use the “cash infusion and balance sheet strength to execute its long-term strategy.”

It’s important to note that Avelo will not end operations entirely from the impacted airports. However, many routes appear to be affected by the shakeup. For instance, Avelo’s new international route between Wilmington and Punta Cana will end later this month, rather than in April as initially planned.

Avelo 737 800 HVN Takeoff — Image Credit: Alberto Riva

Wilmington Airport appeared to confirm the cuts on Facebook.

“Avelo Airlines has informed us of a significant reduction in aircraft in their fleet, which has led to service reductions at several airports (starting in late January), including ILM,” according to a post from the airport.

Avelo launched its RDU base in 2023 and Wilmington in the spring of 2025.

While Wilmington and Raleigh-Durham were used for passenger operations, Avelo’s Mesa hub was used to operate deportation flights with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The airline received massive backlash, including calls for a boycott, over that decision.

Avelo said the “near-term schedule changes” will impact many itineraries. Impacted customers will be contacted via email and text. Customers with questions can reach out to Avelo’s Customer Support Center.

Hot Tip:

If your flight has been affected by Avelo’s cuts, you have several options for booking a new flight on a different airline. Most of the airports Avelo serves are also served by other airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Breeze Airways.

Final Thoughts

Avelo will close several bases as it seeks to streamline operations. The affected stations include Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington, as well as Mesa, Arizona, where it operated deportation flights. If you believe your flight may be impacted, check your account and email for updates.