Avelo Extends Florida Flights, Offering Early Summer 2026 Deals

LAKELAND, FL – January 20, 2026 – Travelers dreaming of a 2026 summer getaway can start planning now, as Avelo Airlines announced a major extension of its flight schedule from Central Florida through August 18, 2026. The move signals the carrier's deepening commitment to the Sunshine State, accompanied by promotional one-way fares starting as low as $42.

The announcement opens up summer booking season more than two years in advance for flights from Avelo's six-airport Florida network, which includes major hubs and regional gateways: Daytona Beach (DAB), Fort Myers (RSW), Lakeland (LAL), Orlando (MCO), Sarasota (SRQ), and Tampa (TPA).

"It's time to start planning summer travel, and we are excited to extend Avelo's Central Florida flight schedule through August 2026," said Avelo Airlines Head of Commercial Trevor Yealy. "With Avelo's affordable fares and industry-leading reliability, it's the perfect time for travelers to get a head start on booking their summer vacations or weekend getaways to their favorite destinations."

Destinations available from the airline's Central Florida bases include key markets such as Atlanta (ATL), Nashville (BNA), and San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU), as well as Avelo's own bases in New Haven, Conn. (HVN) and the Philadelphia/Wilmington, Del. area (ILG).

A Strategy of Reliability and Convenience

Since its inaugural flight in April 2021, Avelo has rapidly carved out a niche by focusing on a dual strategy: offering low fares while maintaining a record of high reliability. The airline, which has flown over 8.8 million customers, has built its brand on connecting primarily underserved communities and utilizing smaller, more convenient airports.

This approach aims to provide a smoother travel experience, bypassing the congestion and long walks often associated with the nation's largest hubs. The carrier's performance data validates this focus on dependability. In 2025, Avelo ranked in the top three for both on-time performance and lowest flight cancellation rate among U.S. airlines, according to data from Anuvu, a firm also used by The Wall Street Journal for its airline rankings.

This follows a stellar 2024, where Avelo achieved the number one spot for on-time performance in the U.S. and the industry's lowest cancellation rate for the second consecutive year. For its Central Florida operations specifically, the airline has demonstrated strong performance, reinforcing its promise of a reliable journey for the region's leisure and business travelers.

Navigating a Competitive Florida Market

Avelo's expansion in Florida is a calculated move within a highly competitive aviation landscape. By operating out of major airports like Orlando (MCO) and Tampa (TPA), the airline goes head-to-head with legacy carriers and other low-cost giants like Southwest, Spirit, and Frontier. On high-traffic routes such as Tampa to Atlanta, Avelo competes directly on price and service.

However, the core of Avelo's strategy lies in its careful route selection and use of alternative airports. For instance, while major airlines serve the Charlotte area through the massive Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Avelo offers flights to the smaller Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA), appealing to travelers seeking to avoid the bustle of a major hub. Similarly, its service to Wilmington, Delaware (ILG), provides a direct link to the Delaware Valley that is a convenient alternative to Philadelphia International Airport.

At airports like Lakeland Linder International (LAL), Avelo faces significantly less direct competition, allowing it to establish a strong foothold and become the dominant carrier. This blend of competing in major markets while creating exclusive, non-stop routes from smaller ones allows the airline to build a diverse and resilient network. It targets passengers who prioritize the convenience of a nearby airport and a direct flight over the vast network options of a legacy carrier.

Building Loyalty and Looking to the Future

To secure its growing customer base, Avelo is investing in more than just routes and reliability. In the fall of 2025, the airline launched Avelo PLUS, a membership program designed to reward its frequent flyers. Instead of a complex points-based system, the program offers immediate, tangible benefits like discounted fares, free priority boarding, and a $50 renewal bonus. In a unique twist, members can share their benefits with up to nine other people, a feature aimed at families and small business groups.

This focus on customer value is complemented by a forward-looking fleet strategy. While currently operating a fleet of Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, Avelo has its eyes on the future. In 2028, it is slated to become the first U.S. airline to operate the Embraer 195-E2. This next-generation aircraft is renowned for its fuel efficiency, lower noise footprint, and passenger-friendly cabin that features no middle seats. The E195-E2's size is ideal for opening thinner routes or increasing frequency on existing ones, perfectly aligning with Avelo's regional, point-to-point strategy.

The introduction of a new, highly efficient aircraft type signals a long-term vision for sustainable growth and operational excellence. It underscores that Avelo is not just competing for today's passengers but is strategically positioning itself for the future of regional air travel in the United States.

The Economic Ripple Effect for Communities

Avelo's growth is not just a story about one airline; it's about the broader impact on the communities it serves. By introducing affordable, direct air service to cities like Wilmington, N.C. (ILM), Rochester, N.Y. (ROC), and New Haven, Conn. (HVN), the airline is forging vital economic links. For many of these smaller metropolitan areas, Avelo's service represents a new or restored connection to key leisure destinations like Central Florida, which can significantly boost local tourism.

Increased accessibility stimulates local economies by bringing in tourist dollars spent on hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Furthermore, it enhances connectivity for residents, providing them with more convenient and affordable options for visiting family, conducting business, or taking their own vacations. This focus on regional connectivity helps democratize air travel, making it more accessible to people outside of major airline fortress hubs.

By proving the viability of routes that larger airlines may have overlooked, Avelo is demonstrating the untapped potential within America's regional airports. This schedule extension through summer 2026 is more than just a seasonal adjustment; it's a confident step forward in the airline's mission to connect more communities and inspire travel by making it simpler and more affordable.