Avelo Airlines Stops Service at Bradley Airport in Connecticut

The news of Avelo Airlines ending its operations at Bradley International Airport has sent shockwaves through Connecticut’s travel community. Flights to popular Caribbean destinations will stop in early 2026, leaving vacationers and residents with family abroad scrambling for alternatives.

The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) didn’t hide its disappointment. They called the move “inexplicable” and warned that Connecticut could lose a vital international travel link.

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This blog post digs into why Avelo’s leaving, how officials and travelers are reacting, and what this means for future air travel in cities like Hartford, New Haven, Manchester, Waterbury, Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, and New Britain.

Avelo Airlines Departure from Bradley International Airport

Bradley International Airport sits in Windsor Locks and serves as a hub for Hartford-area travelers. Avelo’s final flights from Bradley are scheduled for early 2026.

Here’s when the last flights will run for each destination:

Cancun, Mexico – final flight January 3, 2026
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic – final flight January 5, 2026
Montego Bay, Jamaica – final flight January 25, 2026

For many people in Bridgeport, Waterbury, and New Britain, these routes meant quick, direct escapes to warm-weather spots. No need to deal with annoying layovers.

Loss of Connecticut’s Only Nonstop Route to Montego Bay

Dropping the nonstop flight to Montego Bay stings. It was the only direct route from Connecticut to Jamaica, which mattered a lot to vacationers and families with Caribbean ties.

The CAA pointed out that travelers from Hartford, Stamford, and nearby cities will now have to connect through New York or Boston. That means more time, more money, and honestly, more hassle for international trips.

Dispute Between Avelo Airlines and the Connecticut Airport Authority

The Connecticut Airport Authority didn’t sugarcoat its reaction. Officials called Avelo’s exit “inexplicable” and even accused the airline of misrepresenting facts while trying to dodge standard airport fees.

The CAA said they had invested a lot to help Avelo succeed at Bradley. Still, they couldn’t just waive the financial obligations that every carrier faces.

Avelo’s Reasons for Exiting Bradley

Avelo Airlines painted a different picture. They blamed poor revenue and high operating costs at Bradley for the decision.

The company insisted it wasn’t about CAA pressure or any misleading statements. Passengers in Norwalk, Manchester, and Hartford who booked future flights will get full refunds, according to Avelo.

Impact on Travelers Across Connecticut

This isn’t just a business move—it’s a real disruption for regular travelers. Residents in Bridgeport, New Haven, and Stamford who relied on Bradley for direct Caribbean flights now have to look elsewhere.

They might end up flying out of JFK, LaGuardia, or even Logan in Boston. That’s a big change for a lot of people.

Community Reaction and Concerns

Plenty of Connecticut travelers, especially those with family in Jamaica or the Dominican Republic, are frustrated. Losing easy access to island destinations hurts.

The convenience of boarding a direct flight from Hartford’s Bradley Airport to Montego Bay or Punta Cana saved time and stress. Older travelers, in particular, liked avoiding layovers.

Tweed New Haven Airport Operations Continue

While Avelo is leaving Bradley, the airline says it’ll keep flying from Tweed New Haven Airport. For folks in New Haven, Bridgeport, and Norwalk, Tweed’s nearby—though it doesn’t offer those same direct Caribbean routes.

What’s Next for International Travel From Connecticut

The loss of these routes raises some real questions about what’s ahead for international air service in Connecticut. The CAA probably needs to move fast if they want to attract other airlines to offer Caribbean flights from Bradley.

Towns and cities across the state—Hartford, Manchester, Stamford, Waterbury, Bridgeport, New Haven, Norwalk, and New Britain—will be watching. Residents want to keep their global connections alive, and I can’t blame them.

As the last Avelo flights get closer, Connecticut travelers have to think about their options. Airlines are definitely watching the market, and local officials are already looking for ways to fill the gap.

Right now, the departure feels like a reminder. It’s not easy to keep niche international routes going from mid-sized airports like Bradley.

Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut Airport Authority: Avelo Airlines stops services at Bradley International Airport

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