Avelo Airlines to close its base at Wilmington Airport, launch new one at McKinney National Airport

Avelo Airlines is continuing to reshape its network as it works through mounting financial and operational challenges, confirming it will permanently close its base at Wilmington Airport while planning to open a new base at McKinney National Airport in Texas at the end of 2026.

Avelo Airlines exits three airports: Wilmington Airport base, Phoenix Mesa, and Raleigh-Durham

The Houston-based low-cost carrier expanded rapidly after its 2021 launch, serving dozens of smaller cities that had limited airline options. In recent months, however, Avelo has struggled to maintain that footprint, as per a report.

As part of its latest changes, the airline will exit three airports entirely: Phoenix Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, and Wilmington International Airport in North Carolina, as per The Street report. The decision follows a series of route cuts made toward the end of 2025.


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Avelo Airlines faces revenue shortfalls and operational complexity

Avelo said the move reflects a shift in its network strategy. An airline spokesperson told The Street that, “The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs,” as quoted in the report.

Mesa base closure ends Avelo deportation flights from airport

The closure of the Mesa base also means Avelo will no longer operate deportation flights from that location, according to local reporting by Arizona Family. The airline is scheduled to operate its last commercial flights from Mesa on January 27, though it has not confirmed a timeline for winding down deportation flights.

Those operations had drawn protests and public opposition at the airport and were previously described by Avelo founder and CEO Andrew Levy as “controversial” but financially important, as per The Street report.

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Earlier West Coast exits signaled deeper pullback

The latest exits follow earlier pullbacks. Last fall, Avelo shut down its West Coast bases in Burbank, Sonoma, and Las Vegas and the airline also quietly ended service between New Haven, Connecticut, and Portland, Maine, citing revenues that failed to cover costs.

Avelo to downsize fleet and return Boeing 737-700 aircraft

Alongside airport closures, Avelo is also shrinking its fleet. The airline plans to return six Boeing 737-700 aircraft to lessors and operate exclusively with its remaining eight Boeing 737-800 jets, as per The Street report. The company has not said how many jobs may be affected by the changes.

New Avelo base planned at McKinney National Airport in Texas for 2026

Meanwhile, Avelo plans to concentrate its operations around a smaller group of bases. These include New Haven Tweed Airport in Connecticut, Wilmington New Castle Airport in Delaware, Concord Regional Airport in New Hampshire, and Lakeland Linder International Airport in Florida, as per The Street report. The airline’s planned fifth base, at McKinney National Airport in Texas, is expected to open toward the end of 2026.

FAQs

Which Avelo Airlines base is closing?
Avelo is permanently closing its base at Wilmington International Airport in North Carolina.

Which airports is Avelo exiting completely?
The airline is exiting Phoenix Mesa Gateway, Raleigh-Durham, and Wilmington airports.