Breeze Airways will launch new flights from Hollywood Burbank Airport in March 2026, stepping in just as Avelo Airlines prepares to leave Burbank and the entire West Coast. This major change will affect travelers, airport workers, and local communities across several states, as Breeze Airways aims to keep important air connections alive after Avelo’s exit.
Breeze Airways’ Expansion into Burbank
Breeze Airways, a growing low-cost airline in the United States 🇺🇸, has announced it will begin flying out of Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) starting in March 2026. The airline plans to offer direct flights from Burbank to five cities: Arcata/Eureka in California, Provo in Utah, Eugene and Redmond in Oregon, and Pasco in Washington. These routes are the same ones that Avelo Airlines will stop serving when it leaves the West Coast at the end of 2025.
Breeze Airways will use new Airbus A220-300 planes for these flights, which are known for being comfortable and fuel-efficient. The airline’s leaders say they have been watching the West Coast market for a long time and moved quickly to fill the gap left by Avelo’s decision to leave.
Lukas Johnson, Breeze Airways’ Chief Commercial Officer, explained, “We have long been monitoring opportunities to expand our network on the West Coast and hope the news will be a welcome reprieve for travellers in these communities.” This move is meant to make sure that people in smaller cities do not lose their air service and can still travel easily for work, family, or fun.
Avelo Airlines’ Exit and Its Impact
Avelo Airlines, which started flying from Burbank in April 2021, has decided to close its Burbank base and end all West Coast flights by December 2, 2025. The airline will begin reducing its Burbank operation to just one aircraft by August 12, 2025, before shutting down completely in December. All routes from Burbank to Eugene, Redmond, Arcata/Eureka, and Pasco will stop.
Avelo’s CEO, Andrew Levy, said, “We believe the continuation of service from BUR in the current operating environment will not deliver adequate financial returns in a highly competitive backdrop. We intend to redeploy these BUR aircraft to business areas where we see more efficient longer-term growth prospects, while also building depth and breadth to our East Coast operation.”
The airline’s decision comes after facing tough competition, financial losses, and public backlash over its involvement in government deportation flights. This backlash led to protests and calls for boycotts in 2025, adding to the company’s challenges.
For travelers who have already booked flights with Avelo after December 2, 2025, the airline promises full refunds. Customers can visit the “Manage Trips” section on Avelo’s website or call their customer service line at 346-616-9500 for help. California-based Avelo employees will be offered transfers to other company bases, so they can keep their jobs if they are willing to move.
Breeze Airways’ New Burbank Routes
Breeze Airways’ entry into Burbank is carefully planned to match the routes Avelo is leaving behind. Here’s a closer look at the new flights:
- Burbank–Arcata/Eureka (California): 3 flights per week, starting March 12, 2026
- Burbank–Provo (Utah): 5 flights per week, starting March 11, 2026
- Burbank–Eugene (Oregon): 2 flights per week, starting March 19, 2026
- Burbank–Pasco (Washington): 2 flights per week, starting March 18, 2026
- Burbank–Redmond (Oregon): 2 flights per week, starting March 13, 2026
All these flights will use the Airbus A220-300, which is newer and more comfortable than many older planes. Breeze Airways is also expanding at Provo, Utah, where it will offer flights to Arcata, Burbank, Eugene, Las Vegas, Pasco, and Redmond.
Why This Change Matters for Communities
The sudden exit of Avelo Airlines from the West Coast could have left many smaller cities without direct air service. For people living in places like Arcata/Eureka or Redmond, losing these flights would mean longer drives to bigger airports, higher travel costs, and fewer options for visiting family, getting medical care, or doing business.
Breeze Airways’ quick move to take over these routes helps keep these communities connected. Local leaders have welcomed the news. For example, Zachary Bass, the manager of Redmond Airport, said Breeze’s entry is good for the region’s economy and helps keep people connected to the rest of the country.
Michelle Bushnell, a member of the Humboldt County Board, also praised the decision, saying it will help local businesses and families who depend on easy air travel.
How Breeze Airways Plans to Succeed
Breeze Airways is known for its focus on smaller cities and routes that bigger airlines often ignore. By stepping into Burbank just as Avelo leaves, Breeze hopes to win over travelers who need reliable, affordable flights. The airline’s use of new Airbus A220-300 planes may also attract passengers who want a more comfortable flying experience.
Breeze’s Chief Commercial Officer, Lukas Johnson, said the airline had been looking at the West Coast for a long time and acted quickly when Avelo announced its exit. McKinnley Matson, who works in Breeze’s Corporate Communications, added that the company wants to make sure people in these cities do not lose their air service.
Market Competition and Fares
With Avelo leaving, some travelers worried that ticket prices would go up or that there would be fewer flights to choose from. However, Breeze Airways’ entry is expected to keep fares competitive and maintain good service levels. The airline’s business model focuses on keeping costs low and offering simple, easy-to-understand fares.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, Breeze Airways’ expansion is likely to help keep prices in check and give travelers more choices, especially on routes that have seen strong demand in the past.
Background: Avelo’s West Coast Story
Avelo Airlines made a name for itself by serving cities that bigger airlines often skipped. Its first flight from Burbank took off in April 2021, and the airline quickly became popular with travelers looking for direct flights to smaller cities. However, the airline faced growing competition and struggled to make enough money on its West Coast routes.
In 2025, Avelo also faced protests and calls for boycotts after it was linked to government deportation flights. This negative attention made it even harder for the airline to succeed in the region.
Avelo’s decision to leave the West Coast marks a big change in its strategy. The airline now plans to focus on the East Coast, where it believes it can grow more easily and make more money.
What This Means for Travelers
If you have a ticket with Avelo Airlines for a flight after December 2, 2025, you can get a refund. Go to the “Manage Trips” section on Avelo’s website or call their customer service at 346-616-9500. If you live in California and work for Avelo, you may be able to transfer to another base if you want to stay with the company.
For people who want to book new flights from Burbank after March 2026, Breeze Airways will be the main option for direct flights to Arcata/Eureka, Provo, Eugene, Pasco, and Redmond. You can find more information and book tickets on the Breeze Airways website.
Local airports and city leaders are also working hard to make sure their communities stay connected. They are talking to other airlines and looking for ways to keep flights running smoothly, even as the market changes.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Regional Air Service
Breeze Airways’ move into Burbank is just one part of a bigger trend. Many smaller cities across the United States 🇺🇸 depend on airlines like Breeze and Avelo to stay connected. When one airline leaves, it can cause big problems for local economies, families, and businesses.
Local governments and airport managers are always looking for new airlines to fill gaps and keep flights going. Sometimes, other low-cost carriers may step in if they see strong demand. The next few years could bring more changes as airlines adjust their routes and look for new opportunities.
Breeze Airways is expected to keep growing on the West Coast, especially if its new Burbank routes are successful. The airline’s leaders say they are open to adding more flights or new cities if there is enough demand.
What Should Affected Travelers Do?
If you are affected by Avelo’s exit or want to learn more about Breeze Airways’ new flights, here are some steps you can take:
- Avelo Customers: Visit Avelo’s website or call 346-616-9500 for refunds or help with your booking.
- Breeze Airways Information: Go to Breeze Airways’ official website for details on new routes, booking, and customer service.
- Check Airport Websites: For updates on flights and airport services, visit the Hollywood Burbank Airport or California Redwood Coast-Humboldt County Airport websites.
- Stay Informed: Watch for announcements from airlines and airports, as more route changes or new flights may be announced closer to March 2026.
For official information about air travel rights, refunds, and consumer protections in the United States 🇺🇸, you can visit the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection page.
Key Takeaways for Communities and Travelers
- Breeze Airways will start flying from Burbank in March 2026, taking over routes that Avelo Airlines will stop serving.
- Avelo Airlines will leave Burbank and the entire West Coast by December 2, 2025, due to financial losses and competition.
- Breeze’s new flights will help keep smaller cities connected and may offer a better passenger experience with newer planes.
- Travelers with Avelo bookings after December 2, 2025, can get refunds through the airline’s website or customer service.
- Local leaders and airport managers are working to keep air service strong and support their communities.
This change shows how quickly the airline industry can shift, especially for smaller cities that depend on just one or two carriers. Breeze Airways’ entry into Burbank is a positive step for travelers who want to keep flying easily between California, Utah, Oregon, and Washington.
As the March 2026 launch date gets closer, travelers should keep an eye on official airline and airport announcements for any new routes or changes. Staying informed will help you make the best travel plans and take advantage of new options as they become available.
For more updates and detailed analysis on airline changes and their impact on communities, VisaVerge.com remains a trusted source for news and guidance.
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Burbank Airport → Hollywood Burbank Airport, a regional airport serving Southern California near Los Angeles.
Airbus A220-300 → A modern, fuel-efficient narrow-body jet used by Breeze for regional flights.
West Coast Flights → Flights operating along the western United States, including California, Oregon, Washington, and Utah.
Low-Cost Airline → An airline offering lower fares by limiting traditional services to reduce costs.
Route Expansion → The process of adding new flight paths or destinations to an airline’s network.
This Article in a Nutshell
Breeze Airways will launch direct March 2026 flights from Burbank, filling Avelo Airlines’ West Coast gap. The airline offers routes to five cities using efficient Airbus A220 planes, ensuring continued air service for smaller communities facing challenges from Avelo’s exit.
— By VisaVerge.com
