Avelo Suspends MHT Service: What It Means for New Hampshire Travelers

(MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE) Avelo Airlines will suspend all service at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, with the final scheduled flight set for January 5, 2026. The carrier describes the move as a “pause,” saying it will review demand and could return for the summer 2026 season if it finds stronger routes and flight frequencies. The decision ends a short run that began in 2023 and quickly won attention from New Hampshire travelers drawn to low fares and nonstop options.

For local flyers, the immediate impact is clear: nonstop service to several leisure and regional destinations will end, including Concord–Charlotte, Myrtle Beach (seasonal), Raleigh–Durham, and Wilmington, North Carolina. Avelo’s presence helped push prices down on some routes; without that pressure, average fares may inch up, especially for peak holiday and school break periods. Travelers who booked Avelo flights beyond January 5, 2026 should prepare for cancellations and check email and app notifications closely.

Refunds, credits, and your rights

Avelo says customers with canceled flights can seek refunds or credits. Under federal rules in the United States 🇺🇸, if an airline cancels a flight, you’re generally entitled to a cash refund if you choose not to rebook. The U.S. Department of Transportation explains your rights and the refund process here: DOT: Refunds for Airlines and Ticket Agents.

• If you accept a credit, read the terms carefully—some customers at other airports have reported confusion about expiration dates and how credits apply when the airline no longer serves their city.
• Keep documentation: confirmation numbers, receipts, and all correspondence.

Airport response and ongoing options

Airport leaders at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport say they respect the airline’s business call and hope to see Avelo return. They’re actively courting new carriers and asking the community which cities they most want added.

• Recent airport outreach shows strong interest in links to Chicago, Washington, Detroit, and Houston.
• Airlines still operating at MHT: American, Breeze, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, and United — offering a mix of nonstop and connecting flights to major hubs and vacation markets.

What changes now for travelers

• If you hold a booking after January 5, 2026: Watch for a cancellation notice. Decide whether to request a cash refund or accept an airline credit. Under DOT policy, a refund should be available for canceled flights if you don’t rebook.
• How to seek a refund or credit: Contact Avelo through its website or customer service channels. Keep records: confirmation number, original trip receipt, and all emails. If the refund stalls, you can file a complaint with DOT using the link above.
• Finding alternative flights: Check other airlines at MHT first. If your city lacks nonstop options, consider one-stop trips through hubs such as Charlotte, Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, or Baltimore.
• Compare nearby airports: Boston Logan may offer more frequencies, though parking and traffic can add time and cost.
• Watch the calendar: If Avelo returns for summer 2026, expect route announcements and introductory fares a few months ahead. Sign up for airport alerts to catch updates.

Practical impacts: families and small businesses may now add an hour or two to trips when switching nonstops for one-stop itineraries. Plan for extra time and potentially higher costs.

Why the pause happened

Avelo’s low-cost model depends on high seat fill. Industry analysts say the airline often needs around 83% of seats sold to break even. That’s a tough bar during slower months, especially on leisure routes that concentrate demand in school vacation weeks and thin out in late winter or early fall.

• Avelo tends to launch quickly when it sees openings, then exit just as quickly if load factors or fares don’t support continued flying.
• This pattern has appeared at other airports as well, not just Manchester.
• VisaVerge.com notes the move fits a broader trend among low-cost carriers dealing with higher fuel prices, aircraft delivery delays, and competition from larger airlines that can match fares on key days while relying on business traffic to balance results.

Airport officials say they’ll keep pitching MHT’s strengths — easy access, shorter lines than Boston, and strong ties to northern New England’s ski and lake regions. But sustainable service depends on steady demand across the calendar, not just summer or Florida peak season. Community voices have urged a tighter focus on routes with year-round pull and better local marketing so new flights get used consistently.

What to expect through early 2026

• Final Avelo flight at MHT: January 5, 2026
• Possible return: Summer 2026, if the airline finds stronger route economics
• Airlines still at MHT: American, Breeze, JetBlue, Southwest, Sun Country, United
• Likely near-term effects: Fewer nonstop choices to affected cities, tighter seat supply during holidays, and potential fare increases on some leisure travel days

Quick action checklist for travelers

1. Confirm your Avelo flight status.
2. Request a refund or credit if canceled.
3. Search replacement options at MHT.
4. Compare Boston Logan and nearby regional airports for alternatives.
5. Set price alerts and act quickly when you see a good fare.

For official updates on flights, new routes, and airline contacts, check the Manchester-Boston Regional Airport website: flymanchester.com. Avelo’s customer service portal and app can process refund and credit requests; if you need to escalate a complaint about a canceled flight, use the DOT page linked above. The airport’s media contact, Christina Lawson ([email protected]), remains the point person for press and community questions about air service developments.

Who is affected most — and how to adapt

Travelers who rely on flexible, low-cost trips — grandparents visiting family in North Carolina, students heading to Myrtle Beach, remote workers splitting time between New England and the Carolinas — will feel the loss most.

• Some will shift to connections; others may drive to Boston for more nonstop options.
• Check baggage rules and seat fees carefully: these add-on costs can erase any apparent fare savings.
• If Avelo returns, carriers and the airport will likely emphasize routes with steadier year-round demand, schedules that match weekend and school calendars, and early sales to lock in load factors.

MHT has weathered swings before. If local flyers keep booking from Manchester when good options appear, the case for more service gets stronger. Until then, watch for fare sales, book early for peak weeks, and use the refund rights you have when a flight is canceled.