Avelo Airlines Maintains Winter Schedule Amid Federal Flight Cuts
Avelo Airlines continues to operate its current schedule at Wilmington Airport (ILG), which extends through April. Wilmington has become one of the airline's stronger markets, especially with its ILG-Orlando route.
Despite a federal mandate to reduce flights by 10% at 40 major airports due to the government shutdown, Avelo remains unaffected for now. The airline typically operates from smaller airports like Wilmington, allowing it to avoid immediate cuts at major hubs such as Orlando.
Impact of Federal Flight Reduction Order
Federal regulators have instructed major airlines not to limit their flight reductions to affiliated regional carriers servicing smaller cities. This raised concerns about potential heavy impacts on regional jet cities like Salisbury, Maryland.
The order arrives during a traditionally slow period for airlines. However, if the government shutdown lasts into the Thanksgiving holiday, the situation could change significantly.
Avelo's Fleet and Route Adjustments
- Avelo is operating three Boeing 737 jets out of Delaware Airport, reflecting an earlier-than-expected withdrawal from West Coast markets.
- Previously, the airline maintained two jets in Delaware during 2025.
- The additional aircraft will result in fewer twice-weekly flights from Wilmington.
- Winter flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, are increasing to three or more per week, up from two.
Avelo stated on social media: "We will be able to keep our flight schedule, at least for the time being, thanks to our strategy of flying from smaller cities."
This approach has allowed Avelo to sustain its service despite federal cutbacks affecting larger airports.
Author's summary: Avelo Airlines preserves its Wilmington schedule by focusing on smaller airports, managing to avoid federal flight cuts impacting major hubs during the government shutdown.