Avelo Airlines is closing three bases and retiring Boeing aircraft

Avelo Airlines, the low-cost carrier that entered the U.S. market in 2021, disclosed a significant recapitalization effort on Tuesday. The aim is to fund the airline’s long-term strategic plan.

The capital raise effort paves the way for a focused network realignment. Avelo will consolidate operations around four existing bases—New Haven (HVN), Philadelphia/Delaware Valley (ILG), Charlotte/Concord (USA) and Central Florida/Lakeland (LAL)—and will add a fifth hub in Dallas/McKinney, Texas (TKI) slated to open in late 2026.

To align the network with the new strategic direction, Avelo will discontinue three of its current bases: Mesa, Arizona (AZA); Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina (RDU); and Wilmington, North Carolina (ILM).

The airline will continue serving Raleigh-Durham from New Haven and Rochester, New York (ROC), while Wilmington will remain on the schedule from Nashville (BNA), New Haven, Tampa (TPA), and Washington, D.C./Baltimore (BWI). Affected passengers will receive direct communications from the airline via email and text.

The airline’s aircraft fleet will also be streamlined. Six Boeing 737‑700 Next‑Generation aircraft will be retired, leaving the carrier's operating fleet primarily composed of the more fuel-efficient Boeing 737‑800 NG.

“These changes enable Avelo to focus on sustainably scaling five core bases in 2026 and to prepare the company for growth in the coming years, facilitated by the company's recent order for up to 100 Embraer 195-E2 aircraft,” the company said in a press release.