Key Takeaways
• Avelo Airlines ends all Sonoma County Airport flights by July 16, 2025, cutting several nonstop destinations.
• Only Alaska Airlines and American Airlines now offer nonstop flights from Sonoma County to 8 key cities.
• Airport seeks new airline partners to restore and expand nonstop service after Avelo’s exit.
Travelers flying from Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport face a major change starting July 16, 2025, as Avelo Airlines leaves the market. This move cuts several nonstop destinations, leaving only a select group of direct flights for North Bay residents. Airport officials and airline partners are working to keep the airport a strong travel option, but the loss of Avelo means fewer choices for those seeking easy, nonstop trips.
Avelo Airlines’ Departure: What It Means for Sonoma County Airport
Avelo Airlines, once a key player at Sonoma County Airport, has confirmed it will end all flights from the airport by July 2025. This decision follows a period of growth, where Avelo added new nonstop destinations like Salt Lake City and Ontario, California. However, the airline’s exit now removes all Avelo-exclusive routes from the airport’s schedule. According to airport officials, this marks a significant shift in the airport’s nonstop offerings, especially for travelers who relied on direct flights to leisure destinations.
Current Nonstop Destinations from Sonoma County Airport
After Avelo’s departure, the list of nonstop destinations from Sonoma County Airport shrinks. Only Alaska Airlines and American Airlines will offer direct flights from the airport. Here’s a breakdown of the nonstop destinations you can still reach:
Alaska Airlines:
– Burbank (BUR)
– Los Angeles (LAX)
– Orange County (SNA)
– Portland (PDX)
– San Diego (SAN)
– Seattle (SEA)
American Airlines:
– Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
– Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
All these routes are available year-round, giving travelers steady options to major West Coast and Southwest hubs. Seasonal destinations, such as Palm Springs, Bend/Redmond, and Kalispell, which Avelo once served, are no longer available as nonstop flights.
How the Change Affects Travelers
The loss of Avelo Airlines means travelers can no longer fly nonstop from Sonoma County Airport to several popular spots. Destinations like Las Vegas, Palm Springs, Bend/Redmond, Kalispell, Salt Lake City, and Ontario, California, are now off the nonstop map. For many, this means longer travel times, as they must connect through other airports to reach these places.
Still, the airport keeps its direct links to major cities. Nonstop flights to Los Angeles, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Orange County, Burbank, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Phoenix remain. These cities serve as important hubs, making it easier for travelers to connect to other destinations across the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond.
Airport Management’s Response and Future Plans
Airport Manager Jon Stout has spoken about the disappointment felt by both the airport and the community over Avelo’s exit. He stressed that the airport is working hard to keep and grow its airline partnerships. “We are committed to maintaining and expanding service with our existing and new airline partners,” Stout said. This means the airport is actively looking for new airlines to fill the gap left by Avelo and to possibly add new nonstop destinations in the future.
Both Alaska Airlines and American Airlines have confirmed they will continue serving Sonoma County Airport with no plans to reduce their flights. This commitment is important for keeping the airport a reliable choice for North Bay travelers.
Why Nonstop Destinations Matter
Nonstop flights are a big draw for travelers. They save time, reduce stress, and often cost less than flights with layovers. For business travelers, direct flights mean more time at meetings and less time in airports. For families and vacationers, nonstop flights make trips smoother and more enjoyable.
The loss of nonstop service to cities like Las Vegas and Palm Springs is especially hard for those who travel for leisure. These destinations are popular for quick getaways, and connecting flights can add hours to the journey. As reported by VisaVerge.com, changes in nonstop service can also affect local businesses, tourism, and even property values, as easy access to travel is a selling point for many communities.
Booking a Nonstop Flight from Sonoma County Airport: Step-by-Step Guide
If you plan to fly from Sonoma County Airport, here’s how you can book a nonstop flight:
- Check the Official Airport Website: Go to sonomacountyairport.org for the latest flight schedules, airline contact details, and updates on nonstop destinations.
- Pick Your Destination: Choose from the current nonstop cities: Burbank, Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, San Diego, Seattle, Dallas/Fort Worth, or Phoenix.
- Book Directly with the Airline: Visit Alaska Airlines’ website (alaskaair.com) or American Airlines’ website (aa.com) to make your reservation. You can also call their customer service numbers for help.
- Watch for Seasonal Changes: While Avelo’s seasonal routes are gone, Alaska and American may sometimes add or change seasonal flights. Always check the latest schedules before booking.
- Plan for Connections if Needed: If your destination is not on the nonstop list, plan to connect through one of the major hubs still served by the airport.
Practical Tips for Travelers
- Arrive Early: Smaller airports like Sonoma County can have shorter lines, but it’s still smart to arrive at least 90 minutes before your flight.
- Check Baggage Rules: Each airline has its own baggage policies. Review these on the airline’s website before packing.
- Monitor Flight Status: Weather and other factors can affect flights. Use the airline’s app or website to check your flight status before heading to the airport.
- Consider Parking and Transportation: Sonoma County Airport offers parking and ground transportation options. Details are available on the airport’s official website.
Impact on the Local Community
The change in nonstop destinations affects more than just travelers. Local businesses that rely on easy access to certain cities may face challenges. For example, companies with offices in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City now have to plan for longer travel times. Tourism may also take a hit, as fewer direct flights can mean fewer visitors to the region.
Families and students who used to enjoy quick trips to places like Palm Springs or Bend/Redmond now need to plan for connections, which can be harder for those with young children or tight schedules. The airport’s role as a gateway for the North Bay community is still strong, but the loss of nonstop options is felt by many.
What’s Next for Sonoma County Airport?
Airport officials are not standing still. They are talking with other airlines to try to bring back some of the lost nonstop destinations. While no new airline partners have been announced as of July 16, 2025, the airport remains hopeful. The goal is to restore nonstop service to popular leisure and business destinations and possibly add new cities to the list.
Travelers are encouraged to stay updated by checking the airport’s website and signing up for airline newsletters. This way, they’ll be among the first to know if new nonstop routes are added.
How to Stay Informed About Flight Changes
- Sign Up for Alerts: Both Alaska Airlines and American Airlines offer email and text alerts for flight changes, delays, and new route announcements.
- Follow the Airport on Social Media: Sonoma County Airport shares news and updates on its social media channels.
- Check Official Government Resources: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provides information about airport operations and safety, which can be helpful for frequent travelers.
Why Airlines Change Routes
Airlines often adjust their routes based on demand, costs, and competition. Avelo Airlines’ decision to leave Sonoma County Airport likely came after reviewing passenger numbers and financial results. When airlines see fewer travelers on certain routes, or when costs go up, they may decide to stop flying those routes.
For airports, this means they must work hard to attract and keep airline partners. Offering good facilities, strong local support, and marketing can help. Sonoma County Airport’s management is focused on these efforts, hoping to bring back more nonstop destinations in the future.
How the Airport Supports Travelers During Changes
When airlines leave or change their schedules, airports often step in to help travelers adjust. Sonoma County Airport provides updated information on its website, answers questions by phone, and works with airlines to make the transition as smooth as possible. If you have questions about your flight or need help rebooking, airport staff are available to assist.
Looking at the Bigger Picture: Regional Air Travel Trends
The changes at Sonoma County Airport reflect a larger trend in regional air travel. Smaller airports across the United States 🇺🇸 often face challenges keeping nonstop service to many destinations. Airlines focus on routes that bring in the most passengers and profit, which can mean fewer options for travelers in smaller communities.
Still, regional airports like Sonoma County play a key role. They offer convenience, shorter lines, and easy access for local residents. By keeping strong ties with airlines and the community, these airports can continue to serve travelers well, even as the list of nonstop destinations changes.
What Travelers Can Do
If you’re affected by the loss of nonstop flights, there are steps you can take:
- Plan Ahead: Book flights early to get the best schedules and prices.
- Be Flexible: Consider flying on different days or times to find better connections.
- Use Major Hubs: Take advantage of the remaining nonstop flights to big cities, then connect to your final destination.
- Share Feedback: Let the airport and airlines know which routes matter most to you. Traveler feedback can influence future route decisions.
Summary: Sonoma County Airport’s Nonstop Destinations After Avelo’s Exit
As of July 16, 2025, travelers flying from Sonoma County Airport have nonstop access to eight major cities, all served by Alaska Airlines and American Airlines. These are:
- Burbank (BUR)
- Los Angeles (LAX)
- Orange County (SNA)
- Portland (PDX)
- San Diego (SAN)
- Seattle (SEA)
- Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
- Phoenix (PHX)
No other nonstop destinations are available after Avelo Airlines leaves. For all other cities, travelers must connect through one of these hubs.
Key Contacts and Resources
- Sonoma County Airport: sonomacountyairport.org | (707) 565-7240
- Alaska Airlines: alaskaair.com
- American Airlines: aa.com
- FAA Airport Information: faa.gov/airports
Final Thoughts
While the departure of Avelo Airlines reduces the number of nonstop destinations from Sonoma County Airport, the airport remains a vital travel hub for the North Bay. With strong support from Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, travelers still have direct access to major cities. Airport officials are working to bring back more nonstop options, and the community’s feedback and support will play a key role in shaping the airport’s future. For now, travelers should plan ahead, stay informed, and make the most of the nonstop destinations that remain.
Learn Today
Nonstop Flights → Direct flights between two airports without any layovers or stops.
Hub → A major airport used by airlines to route passengers through connecting flights.
Avelo Airlines → A low-cost carrier that operated nonstop flights from Sonoma County Airport until mid-2025.
Seasonal Routes → Flights available only during specific times or seasons of the year.
Sonoma County Airport → A regional airport serving North Bay residents near Santa Rosa, California.
This Article in a Nutshell
Avelo Airlines is leaving Sonoma County Airport on July 16, 2025, reducing nonstop flights drastically. Alaska and American Airlines continue serving eight nonstop destinations. The airport aims to attract new partners to restore direct routes and keep travel options strong for North Bay residents.
— By VisaVerge.com
