Ultra-low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines has revealed huge changes across its network, including the closure of two bases and more than 20 routes dropped. The airline will be shutting its bases in Raleigh–Durham International Airport (RDU) and Wilmington International Airport (ILM), and will no longer perform deportation flights on behalf of ICE, leading to its exit from Phoenix-Mesa (AZA) too.

As a result, the carrier will streamline its operations around four main bases – New Haven (HVN), Wilmington, DE (ILG), Concord-Padgett (USA), and Lakeland Linder, FL (LAL) – and plans to launch a new base at Dallas McKinney (TKI) in late 2026. The network shake-up comes amid a wider plan to reduce its fleet size and stabilize its financial performance, with the carrier’s recent recapitalization and milestone Embraer E2 order hopefully proving a push in the right direction.

Avelo’s Network Cutbacks

As announced in a statement this week, the airline will be dropping over 20 routes from its network as part of its latest operational changes. This will include shuttering two commercial bases and dropping service from no less than nine airports.

As reported by Ishrion Aviation, along with exiting Phoenix-Mesa, Raleigh, and Wilmington, the airline will no longer serve Cancún (CUN), Destin–Fort Walton Beach (VPS), Hartford (BDL), Manchester, NH (MHT), Montego Bay (MBJ), New Orleans (MSY), Punta Cana (PUJ), Traverse City (TVC), and Washington Dulles (IAD).

More than 20 routes have been axed, including nine from Wilmington, NC, and five from Raleigh. However, Avelo will continue serving both destinations from a select few airports. It will keep flying to Raleigh from New Haven and Rochester, along with maintaining flights to Wilmington from Nashville, New Haven, Tampa (TPA), and Baltimore/Washington (BWI). Avelo Airlines said in a statement:

« 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. »

No More ICE Flights

One of the most significant decisions Avelo has made is to end its participation in US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportation flights. Amid its severe performance issues earlier in the year, Avelo began performing deportation flights as an alternative revenue source, taking plenty of public flak in the process.

The airline will now be closing its Phoenix-Mesa base, where it had allocated three Boeing 737-800s to conduct these charter flights. With the base closing by January 27, the airline says this will be the conclusion of its relationship with ICE.

Avelo spokesperson Courtney Goff told Delaware Online that the brief venture had offered some short-term benefits, but it « ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs. »

Most Boeing 737-700s To Retire

As part of its fleet streamlining efforts, Avelo will be retiring six Boeing 737-700 aircraft, representing the majority of its -700 fleet. This will reduce the carrier’s overall fleet size from 22 aircraft to 16. Avelo presently flies a total of 14 Boeing 737-800s, along with eight 737-700s, but is approaching an exciting period of transformation.

This is because Avelo has ordered up to 100 Embraer E195-E2 jets, with the first aircraft due for delivery in mid-2027. While its plans for growth will be put on hold until then, its new E2 jets will open up excellent network opportunities for the carrier, which is expected to re-enter the West Coast market in the next few years following its retreat in 2025.