Key Takeaways
• Avelo Airlines launched new nonstop routes to six airports in May 2025, expanding to 56 cities across 23 states.
• New routes connect Portland, Maine; Chicago O’Hare; Washington D.C.; Long Island; Grand Rapids; and Jacksonville.
• Stretch and Stretch+ seats, offering more legroom and blocked middle seats, start September 3, 2025.
Avelo Airlines Expands in May 2025: New Routes, Key Airports, and What It Means for Travelers
Avelo Airlines, a fast-growing ultra-low-cost carrier, has made headlines again in May 2025 by launching flights to four new airports. The airline’s latest expansion brings more affordable travel options to cities across the United States 🇺🇸, with a special focus on the Northeast and Midwest. The new routes connect Portland, Maine, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Washington D.C., Long Island, Grand Rapids, and Jacksonville, among others. This move is part of Avelo’s broader strategy to serve secondary airports and underserved routes, making air travel easier and less expensive for many people.
Let’s break down what these changes mean for travelers, immigrants, and the communities involved, while also exploring the airline’s recent developments and future plans.
Avelo Airlines: Who, What, When, Where, and Why
Who: Avelo Airlines, an ultra-low-cost airline that started flying in April 2021.
What: The airline launched new nonstop routes to four major airports in May 2025, as part of a larger expansion that now covers 56 cities in 23 states, Puerto Rico, and four international destinations.
When: The new routes began service throughout May 2025, with specific launch dates for each airport.
Where: The new destinations include Portland, Maine; Chicago O’Hare International Airport; Washington D.C. (Dulles International Airport); Long Island MacArthur Airport; Grand Rapids, Michigan; and Jacksonville, Florida.
Why: Avelo aims to offer more affordable and convenient travel options, especially for people living in areas that are not served well by bigger airlines. The airline’s focus on secondary airports helps travelers avoid the crowds and delays common at major hubs.
Portland, Maine to New Haven, Connecticut: A New Link in the Northeast
On May 22, 2025, Avelo Airlines started a new nonstop route between Portland, Maine, and New Haven, Connecticut. This route is important for several reasons:
- Regional Access: It gives people in Portland, Maine, a direct and affordable way to reach southern New England without having to drive long distances or make connecting flights.
- Immigration Impact: For immigrants and international students living in Maine or Connecticut, this new route makes it easier to visit family, attend school events, or handle immigration appointments in either state.
- Economic Benefits: Local businesses in both cities may see more visitors, which can help the local economy.
Avelo’s decision to add this route shows its commitment to serving smaller cities that often have limited flight options.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport: Connecting New Haven to a Major Hub
A major highlight of Avelo’s May expansion is the launch of service between Tweed New Haven Airport and Chicago O’Hare International Airport, starting May 15, 2025. This twice-weekly service is a big step for several reasons:
- Access to a Major Hub: Chicago O’Hare International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the United States 🇺🇸. By connecting New Haven directly to Chicago, Avelo gives travelers more options for connecting flights, both within the United States 🇺🇸 and internationally.
- Convenience for Immigrants: Many immigrants and international travelers use Chicago O’Hare as a gateway to the United States 🇺🇸. This new route makes it easier for people in Connecticut to reach family, attend immigration interviews, or connect to flights abroad.
- Affordable Fares: Avelo’s low-cost model means that more people can afford to travel, whether for work, family, or personal reasons.
Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “It’s a great day for Avelo in Connecticut. Our move to O’Hare allows us to continue to share Avelo’s low fares, travel-friendly convenience and industry-leading reliability with our customers.” This statement highlights the airline’s focus on both affordability and reliability.
Washington D.C. – Dulles International Airport: New Options from Charlotte
On May 23, 2025, Avelo launched twice-weekly flights from Charlotte’s Concord-Padgett Regional Airport to Washington D.C.’s Dulles International Airport. This new route is important for several groups:
- Business Travelers: Washington D.C. is a major center for government and business. Direct flights make it easier for people in Charlotte to attend meetings or handle official matters.
- Immigrants and Students: Many embassies, consulates, and immigration offices are located in Washington D.C. This route can help immigrants and international students reach important appointments more easily.
- Family Visits: The route also helps families stay connected, especially those with relatives in the Washington D.C. area.
By adding this route, Avelo is making it easier for people in the Southeast to reach the nation’s capital without expensive or complicated travel plans.
Long Island MacArthur Airport: More Choices for New York Travelers
Avelo began service to Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) on May 22, 2025, with twice-weekly flights from Charlotte’s Concord-Padgett Regional Airport. On the same day, the airline also launched nonstop service from ISP to Charlotte, with fares starting at just $49 for travel between September 4 and September 28, 2025.
- Affordable Travel: These low fares make it possible for more people to travel between New York and North Carolina, whether for work, school, or family reasons.
- Less Congestion: Long Island MacArthur Airport is smaller and less crowded than New York City’s main airports, making travel less stressful.
- Community Impact: The new flights can help local businesses and tourism in both regions.
For immigrants living in Long Island or Charlotte, these new routes can make it easier to visit family, attend community events, or handle immigration matters.
Grand Rapids, Michigan: New Midwest Connections
As part of its May expansion, Avelo launched service to Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids, Michigan, starting May 23, 2025. The route operates twice weekly from Raleigh-Durham International Airport.
- Connecting the Midwest and Southeast: This route links two important regions, making it easier for people to travel for work, school, or family reasons.
- Opportunities for Immigrants: Grand Rapids has a growing immigrant community. Direct flights to Raleigh-Durham can help people stay connected with family and friends or access services in both cities.
- Economic Growth: New routes can bring more visitors and business to both regions.
Jacksonville, Florida: Linking the Northeast and the South
Avelo’s May expansion also includes new service to Jacksonville International Airport from Philadelphia’s Wilmington Airport, starting May 23, 2025. The flights run twice weekly.
- Easy Access to Florida: Jacksonville is a popular destination for both business and leisure travelers. Direct flights from the Northeast make it easier for people to visit Florida without long layovers.
- Support for Immigrant Communities: Florida has a large immigrant population. This new route can help families stay connected and make travel more affordable.
- Tourism Boost: The new flights may encourage more people from the Northeast to visit Florida, supporting local tourism.
Recent Corporate Developments: New Seating Options
Avelo Airlines is not just adding new routes—it’s also improving the travel experience. On May 6, 2025, the airline announced new “Stretch” and “Stretch+” seating options, available for purchase starting September 3, 2025.
- Stretch Seats: Offer more legroom for passengers who want extra comfort.
- Stretch+ Seats: Include a blocked middle seat, giving travelers more space and privacy.
These new options show Avelo’s commitment to giving passengers more choices while keeping prices low. For families, older travelers, or anyone who wants a bit more comfort, these seats can make a big difference.
Broader Expansion Context: Avelo’s Growing Network
The May 2025 route launches are part of a much larger expansion announced on March 11, 2025. This included 13 new routes and three new destinations, bringing Avelo’s network to 56 cities across 23 states, Puerto Rico, and four international destinations: Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic.
- East Coast Focus: Avelo has extended its East Coast flight schedule through Labor Day (September 2, 2025), letting customers book summer travel to over 25 popular destinations with one-way fares starting at $41.
- International Reach: The airline’s international routes give travelers more affordable options for visiting family or vacationing in the Caribbean and Latin America.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, Avelo’s strategy of focusing on secondary airports and underserved routes is helping the airline grow quickly while meeting the needs of travelers who want to avoid the crowds and high prices of major carriers.
Why Avelo’s Expansion Matters for Immigrants and Travelers
Avelo’s rapid growth and focus on affordable, convenient travel have several important effects on different groups:
For Immigrants
- Easier Family Visits: New routes make it simpler and cheaper for immigrants to visit family in other states or countries.
- Access to Services: Direct flights to cities like Chicago, Washington D.C., and New York help immigrants reach consulates, embassies, and immigration offices for important appointments.
- Community Connections: Affordable travel options help immigrant communities stay connected, attend cultural events, and support each other.
For Students
- More Choices: Students studying far from home can find cheaper and more direct flights, making it easier to visit family during school breaks.
- International Students: Routes to major hubs like Chicago O’Hare International Airport make it easier for international students to travel between the United States 🇺🇸 and their home countries.
For Employers
- Business Travel: Companies can save money on travel costs for employees, especially those who need to visit branch offices or attend meetings in different cities.
- Recruitment: Easier travel can help companies attract talent from a wider area.
For Local Communities
- Economic Growth: New flights can bring more visitors, boost tourism, and create jobs at airports and in local businesses.
- Improved Access: Smaller cities benefit from better connections to major hubs, making them more attractive places to live and work.
How to Book and Where to Find More Information
Travelers interested in Avelo’s new routes can book flights directly on the airline’s website or through travel agencies. For those planning international travel or needing information about travel documents, the official U.S. Department of State travel page provides up-to-date guidance on passports, visas, and entry requirements.
If you’re an immigrant or international traveler, it’s important to check the latest rules for your destination, including any visa or documentation requirements. For domestic flights within the United States 🇺🇸, you generally do not need a passport, but you may need a REAL ID or other approved identification.
Looking Ahead: Avelo’s Future in the U.S. Airline Market
Avelo Airlines has shown strong growth since its first flight in April 2021. By focusing on secondary airports and underserved routes, the airline is filling a gap left by larger carriers. Its ultra-low-cost model, combined with new seating options and a growing network, positions Avelo as a major player in the budget airline market, especially along the East Coast.
The airline’s strategy of connecting smaller, more convenient airports with popular destinations is attracting travelers who want to avoid the hassle of big airports and high prices. As Avelo continues to expand, travelers, immigrants, and local communities can expect even more affordable and convenient options in the future.
Key Takeaways and Next Steps
- Avelo Airlines launched new routes to Portland, Maine, Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Washington D.C., Long Island, Grand Rapids, and Jacksonville in May 2025.
- The airline’s focus on secondary airports and low fares is making travel more accessible for immigrants, students, families, and businesses.
- New seating options, including Stretch and Stretch+ seats, will be available starting September 3, 2025.
- Avelo’s network now covers 56 cities in 23 states, Puerto Rico, and four international destinations.
- Travelers should check official government resources for the latest travel and immigration requirements.
For more details on Avelo’s routes, fares, and policies, visit the airline’s website or consult the U.S. Department of Transportation for official airline regulations and consumer protections.
Avelo’s continued expansion is good news for anyone looking for affordable, convenient travel options—whether you’re visiting family, starting a new job, or exploring a new city. As the airline adds more routes and services, travelers across the United States 🇺🇸 and beyond will have even more choices for their journeys.
Learn Today
Ultra-low-cost carrier → An airline offering very low fares by cutting most traditional services and costs.
Secondary airports → Smaller airports serving nearby cities, less crowded than major hubs, often cheaper for travelers.
Nonstop route → A flight that travels directly from origin to destination without any intermediate stops.
Stretch+ seats → Premium seats with extra legroom and a blocked middle seat for added space and privacy.
Connecting flights → Flights allowing passengers to transfer from one plane to another during their journey.
This Article in a Nutshell
In May 2025, Avelo Airlines expanded with new routes connecting major and secondary airports, offering affordable travel and improved seating options across 56 cities and international destinations, benefiting travelers, immigrants, and local economies with convenient, budget-friendly flights.
— By VisaVerge.com
