Avelo Airlines Leaving Bradley Airport, Connecticut Officials Confirm

This blog post dives into the recent news that Avelo Airlines will stop flying out of Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, starting in January. The announcement has stirred up worry among Connecticut travelers, local officials, and the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA), especially since it means losing the state’s only nonstop flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Avelo blames financial troubles for the decision. It’s happening alongside bigger shifts in the airline industry and ongoing investments in Bradley’s future.

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Avelo Airlines Pulls Out of Hartford-Area Hub

The Connecticut Airport Authority says Avelo will stop flying from Bradley International Airport after a pretty short run in the Hartford area. The airline said flights from Bradley just didn’t bring in enough money to cover their costs, so they’re pulling the plug.

Anyone with a ticket on the canceled flights will get a full refund. Avelo says it’s still committed to its base at Tweed New Haven Airport, which is a bit of a relief for some folks.

The Impact on Connecticut Travelers

This decision stings because it wipes out Connecticut’s only nonstop flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica. That route was a hit with people from Hartford, New Britain, and Middletown, making it easy to reach a favorite Caribbean getaway.

Officials say they’re already talking to other airlines to bring the route back, but nothing’s set yet. It’s a waiting game for now.

CAA’s Response to Avelo’s Exit

The CAA didn’t mince words—they called Avelo’s move “inexplicable,” especially since ridership was strong and the airline got financial incentives to help it succeed at Bradley. Avelo operated rent-free for a year and then asked to be let off the hook for future rent, but the CAA said no way.

With all the resources they put into getting Avelo started, officials said forgiving those commitments just wasn’t an option.

A Series of Airline Changes at Bradley

Avelo isn’t the only airline leaving. Spirit Airlines also announced it’s ending service at Windsor Locks as part of a Chapter 11 restructuring.

These back-to-back exits have people in towns like Manchester, East Hartford, and Enfield worried, since they rely on Bradley for affordable flights.

Bradley’s Long-Term Investment Plan

Even with these setbacks, Bradley International Airport is pushing ahead with a huge $250 million infrastructure upgrade. The goal? Make the airport better for passengers and lure in new airlines.

They’re adding better security screening, more food and shopping, and updating the terminals. Folks in West Hartford and Southington see these changes as crucial for keeping Bradley in the game as a regional and international hub.

Potential New Carriers on the Horizon

CAA officials sound hopeful that new airlines will jump in to fill the gaps left by Avelo and Spirit. There’s a lot of interest in bringing back the Montego Bay route, since demand is high.

The authority’s talking with several carriers, so maybe we’ll see new direct flights to Jamaica—or even other popular spots—before long.

Implications for Connecticut’s Air Travel Landscape

All these changes at Bradley echo what’s happening in the wider airline world, where companies tweak routes for profit and competition. For people in places like Norwich and Stamford, it’s a reminder to keep their options open—sometimes flying out of Tweed New Haven or airports in Massachusetts and Rhode Island just makes sense.

Looking Ahead

Avelo’s withdrawal from Bradley is a loss for the Hartford metro area. It highlights both the challenges and the resilience in Connecticut’s travel infrastructure.

The state has invested in Bradley’s future. Leaders are reaching out to new carriers, hoping to create better opportunities for residents in the next few years.

For now, travelers need to adjust their plans. There’s some hope that new services will step in soon, but it’s anybody’s guess how quickly that’ll happen.

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Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut Airport Authority says Avelo Airlines is leaving Bradley Airport

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