Avelo Airlines has confirmed it will cease all West Coast operations, including flights from Redmond, Oregon, over a month earlier than initially announced. The airline's decision to end services by October 20, 2025, instead of December 1, 2025, has caused disruption for customers and local airport officials.
Key Takeaways
- Avelo Airlines is ending West Coast flights on October 20, 2025, earlier than planned.
- Lack of demand and aircraft needs were cited as reasons for the accelerated departure.
- Customers with canceled flights are offered reaccommodation or refunds to original payment methods.
- Redmond Airport officials were not given advance notice of the expedited departure.
- Other airlines, including Alaska and Breeze Airways, are expanding services in Redmond.
Avelo's Accelerated Departure from Redmond
Avelo Airlines announced in July 2025 its plans to close its Burbank base and eventually stop services at Redmond Airport (RDM). The initial timeline set December 1, 2025, as the final date for flights. However, the airline has now advanced this schedule significantly.
On September 19, 2025, Avelo confirmed to KTVZ News that its last day of West Coast operations, including Redmond, would be October 20, 2025. This change means flights are ending over a month ahead of the original plan.
"We elected to end our services at RDM early, on October 20, due to aircraft needs elsewhere and lack of demand during our final month," Avelo Communications Manager Courtney Goff stated.
The airline's early exit has affected numerous travelers who had booked flights for November and December. Avelo stated it has informed all affected customers about their options and expressed apologies for the inconvenience.
Impact on Travelers and Airport Operations
The sudden change has left many customers scrambling to find alternative travel arrangements. One customer from Bend shared his experience with KTVZ News. He and his wife had booked a three-day trip to visit family in November.
After their flight was canceled, the customer reported being offered 'Avelo Cash' credit for future travel, valid for five years, instead of a direct refund to his credit card. He expressed frustration, noting that with Avelo leaving the West Coast, these credits would be unusable for him.
Fact Check
- Original Departure Date: December 1, 2025
- New Departure Date: October 20, 2025
- Difference: 42 days earlier
Avelo's Communications Manager, Courtney Goff, reiterated the airline's policy, stating, "If their flight was canceled by us, they would be refunded to the payment method they used for their current booking." This statement contradicts the experience reported by the Bend customer, who said he followed email instructions to cancel via the app and was offered only 'Avelo Cash.'
The Redmond Airport Director, Zachary Bass, also confirmed the unexpected nature of the announcement. "We just found out about it," Bass told KTVZ News, indicating that other airports received some prior notification, but Redmond did not for this specific change.
Reasons for the Early Exit
Avelo Airlines cited two primary reasons for accelerating its departure: aircraft needs elsewhere and a lack of demand during its final month of operation. The airline's broader strategy involves expanding its operations on the East Coast, leading to a consolidation of resources.
In July, Avelo had already announced it would halt Redmond flights to Sonoma County and Las Vegas in August. The Burbank route was the last remaining service from Redmond, and its early termination marks the complete withdrawal from the West Coast market.
Background on Avelo's Expansion
Avelo Airlines, a low-cost carrier, began operations in April 2021. Its business model focuses on connecting smaller, underserved airports to popular destinations. The shift towards East Coast expansion suggests a strategic realignment of its network and operational focus.
This strategic move is common in the competitive airline industry. Airlines frequently adjust their routes and bases based on market demand, operational costs, and fleet availability. The early exit from Redmond reflects these ongoing evaluations.
Future of Air Travel in Redmond
Despite Avelo's departure, the Redmond Airport is seeing increased interest from other carriers. Just two weeks after Avelo's initial summer announcement, Alaska Airlines stepped in with a significant expansion.
Alaska Airlines announced it would add year-round daily flights between Redmond and Burbank, starting in October 2025. This new service directly addresses the gap left by Avelo's withdrawal from the Burbank route.
- Alaska Airlines: Daily flights to Burbank, starting October 2025.
- Breeze Airways: Services starting March 2026, including flights to Burbank, Las Vegas, and Provo-Salt Lake City.
Furthermore, Breeze Airways is also set to begin serving Redmond in March 2026. Breeze will offer flights to Burbank, Las Vegas, and Provo-Salt Lake City. These additions indicate a continued demand for air travel from Redmond and suggest a robust competitive environment among airlines.
The upset Avelo customer from Bend highlighted a common sentiment among travelers regarding airline reliability. He stated that the experience "left such a bad taste in our mouth" and that he plans to stick with established airlines like Alaska and Delta in the future, rather than carriers that might be "here today and gone the next day." He also contacted Avelo's customer relations and his congressman regarding the issue.
The evolving landscape of air travel at Redmond Airport shows airlines constantly adapting to market conditions and passenger needs. While Avelo's early exit presents immediate challenges for some travelers, the entry and expansion of other airlines suggest continued connectivity for the region.
