Avelo to End All West Coast Flights, Tweed and Bradley Unaffected

Key Takeaways

• Avelo Airlines will end all West Coast flights by December 2, 2025, closing Hollywood Burbank base.
• Passengers with West Coast bookings after shutdown date are entitled to full refunds via Avelo’s website.
• Avelo will shift focus and expand East Coast operations at Tweed New Haven and Bradley International airports.

Avelo Airlines has announced it will end all West Coast flights by December 2, 2025, closing its Hollywood Burbank Airport base and shifting focus to the East Coast. The move comes after financial struggles in the competitive West Coast market, but Avelo says its Connecticut operations at Tweed New Haven and Bradley International airports will not be affected.

Avelo Airlines’ decision to leave the West Coast marks a major change for the airline and for travelers who rely on its affordable flights. The company, which started in 2021 with a promise to bring low fares and direct flights to smaller airports, will now concentrate its efforts on the East Coast. This shift will affect routes, employees, and communities across several states, while also opening new opportunities for growth in the East.

What’s Happening and When?

Avelo Airlines will shut down all West Coast operations by December 2, 2025. The closure includes its base at Hollywood Burbank Airport, a key hub since the airline’s launch. The first route cuts will begin in August 2025, with the last flights from Redmond to Burbank and Medford scheduled for early December. After that, Avelo will no longer fly from any West Coast city.

This change affects flights from several airports, including:

• Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR)
• Redmond
• Eugene
• Arcata
• Santa Rosa
• Salem
• Medford

The three aircraft based in Burbank will be moved to the East Coast to help Avelo grow in markets where it sees better chances for long-term success.

Why Is Avelo Leaving the West Coast?

Avelo Airlines’ CEO, Andrew Levy, explained that the decision comes after years of trying to make the West Coast business work. Despite investing money and making changes, the airline could not earn enough in the crowded and expensive West Coast market. Levy said, “We have made significant investments and operational adjustments, but the financial results simply have not met our expectations.”

Industry experts agree that ultra-low-cost carriers like Avelo face big challenges in places like California, where there are many airlines and high costs. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, these carriers often struggle to compete with larger airlines that have more resources and established customer bases.

Some people have wondered if public criticism over Avelo’s involvement in federal deportation flights played a role in the decision. However, an Avelo spokesperson said this was not a factor in the choice to leave the West Coast.

What Does This Mean for Passengers?

If you have a ticket for a West Coast flight with Avelo after the shutdown date, you are entitled to a full refund. Avelo says all affected customers will get their money back to the original payment method. To request a refund, visit the “Manage Trips” section on Avelo’s official website.

Avelo also offers travel credits for future flights, but these may not be useful for people who live on the West Coast, since the airline will no longer serve those cities.

Key Steps for Affected Passengers:

• Check your booking: If your flight is after December 2, 2025, it will be canceled.
• Request a refund: Go to the “Manage Trips” section on Avelo’s website.
• Consider travel credits: If you plan to travel on the East Coast, you may use a credit instead of a refund.

For more information about your rights as an airline passenger, you can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection page.

How Will This Affect Employees?

Avelo Airlines has said that employees at West Coast bases will be offered the chance to transfer to other locations, mainly on the East Coast. While this gives some workers a way to stay with the company, it also means that those who cannot or do not want to move may lose their jobs.

The airline has not shared exact numbers on how many employees will be affected or how many will accept transfers. However, job losses are expected, especially for those who have strong ties to their local communities and cannot relocate.

Impact on Local Communities and Tourism

Local tourism officials in places like Bend, Oregon, say the loss of Avelo flights will have a limited effect on tourism, as most visitors arrive by car. However, residents who used Avelo for affordable flights will lose a convenient option. For some smaller cities, Avelo was the only airline offering direct flights to certain destinations.

For example, Hollywood Burbank Airport has been a key part of Avelo’s identity since its launch. The closure of the Burbank base means fewer choices for travelers in the region and could lead to higher prices as competition decreases.

Avelo’s East Coast Expansion

While Avelo is leaving the West Coast, it is not shrinking as a company. Instead, it plans to expand and strengthen its East Coast network. The three planes from Burbank will be used to add more flights and routes in places where Avelo believes it can succeed.

Avelo’s main East Coast hubs include:

• Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut
• Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Connecticut
• Locations in North Carolina, Florida, and New Hampshire

The airline says that its operations at Tweed New Haven and Bradley International will not be affected by the West Coast shutdown. In fact, these airports may see more flights and new destinations as Avelo grows its presence in the region.

Background: Avelo’s Journey So Far

Avelo Airlines started flying in 2021, with a focus on serving smaller airports and offering low fares. The airline quickly grew to a fleet of 20 Boeing 737 planes, flying to 55 destinations in the United States 🇺🇸, Bahamas 🇧🇸, Jamaica 🇯🇲, Mexico 🇲🇽, and the Dominican Republic 🇩🇴.

Since its first flight, Avelo has carried about 4 million passengers on 30,000 flights. In 2023, the airline had the lowest flight cancellation rate in the industry and was ranked second for on-time reliability.

Despite these successes, the West Coast market proved too tough. High costs, strong competition, and lower-than-expected profits forced Avelo to rethink its strategy.

Industry and Expert Reactions

Aviation experts say Avelo’s move is not surprising. The ultra-low-cost airline model works best in markets with less competition and lower costs. On the West Coast, big airlines like Southwest and Alaska dominate, making it hard for new players to gain a foothold.

“Ultra-low-cost carriers face an uphill battle in California and other West Coast states,” said one industry analyst. “Costs are high, and there’s not much room to undercut the big airlines.”

Local leaders in affected cities have mixed feelings. Some say the loss of Avelo flights will hurt residents who depended on affordable travel, while others believe the impact on tourism will be small.

What’s Next for Avelo Airlines?

Avelo has made it clear that it does not plan to return to the West Coast anytime soon. The airline will focus on growing its East Coast business, where it sees more room for success.

The company’s future plans include:

• Adding new routes and destinations on the East Coast
• Using the planes from Burbank to increase flight frequency and reliability
• Building on its strong performance in on-time arrivals and low cancellations

Avelo hopes that by concentrating resources in markets where it can compete, it will be able to offer better service and more choices to travelers.

What Should Passengers and Employees Do Now?

If you are a passenger with a West Coast booking, check your flight status and request a refund as soon as possible. If you are an employee, talk to your manager about transfer options and support during the transition.

For the latest updates, keep an eye on Avelo’s press releases and announcements from your local airport.

Summary Table: Avelo’s West Coast Exit (2025)

Frequently Asked Questions

Will Avelo still fly from Tweed New Haven or Bradley International?
Yes. Avelo’s flights from Tweed New Haven Airport and Bradley International Airport will continue as usual. In fact, these airports may see more flights as the airline grows its East Coast network.

How do I get a refund for my canceled West Coast flight?
Go to the “Manage Trips” section on Avelo’s website and follow the instructions to request a refund to your original payment method.

Can I use a travel credit if I live on the West Coast?
You can, but since Avelo will no longer serve West Coast cities, the credit may only be useful if you plan to travel from an East Coast airport.

Will Avelo return to the West Coast in the future?
There are no current plans for Avelo to return to the West Coast. The airline is focusing on the East Coast for now.

What should employees do if they don’t want to transfer?
Employees who do not wish to move to the East Coast may need to look for new jobs. Avelo has not shared details about severance or support for those who choose not to transfer.

What are the broader impacts of this decision?

• For travelers: Fewer affordable flight options from West Coast cities, especially for those who relied on Avelo for direct flights.
• For employees: Some will have the chance to transfer, but others may face job loss.
• For local airports: Less competition could mean higher prices and fewer choices for passengers.
• For the East Coast: More flights and possibly new destinations as Avelo invests in its strongest markets.

Solution-Oriented Advice for Affected Communities

• Travelers: Start looking for alternative airlines or routes now, especially if you have regular travel needs from affected cities.
• Employees: Explore transfer options early and consider reaching out to local employment resources if you decide not to move.
• Local leaders: Work with other airlines to fill the gap left by Avelo and keep travel options open for residents.

Final Thoughts

Avelo Airlines’ exit from the West Coast is a reminder of how quickly the airline industry can change. While the move will cause challenges for some, it also shows the importance of adapting to market realities. By focusing on the East Coast, Avelo hopes to build a stronger, more reliable business that can serve travelers for years to come.

For the most up-to-date information, always check Avelo’s official website and announcements from your local airport. As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed and acting quickly can help travelers and employees manage these changes with as little disruption as possible.

Learn Today

West Coast → The western region of the United States including California, Oregon, and Washington states.
Hollywood Burbank Airport → An airport in California that served as a key hub for Avelo’s West Coast operations.
Refund → A reimbursement of money paid by passengers for canceled flights or services.
Tweed New Haven Airport → A regional airport in Connecticut where Avelo operates its East Coast flights.
Ultra-low-cost carrier → An airline offering very low fares with minimal services, focusing on cost efficiency.

This Article in a Nutshell

Avelo Airlines will exit the West Coast by December 2025, closing its Burbank base and focusing on growing East Coast flights. Passengers can obtain refunds for canceled flights, while employees may transfer or face job loss. This strategic move aims for better success in less competitive markets.
— By VisaVerge.com