Avelo Airlines is ending its operations at Bradley International Airport, a move that includes canceling the only nonstop service from Connecticut to Montego Bay, Jamaica. Airport officials have strongly criticized the decision, stating the airline is attempting to avoid financial commitments.
Key Takeaways
- Avelo Airlines is ceasing all operations at Bradley International Airport.
- The decision cancels Connecticut's only nonstop route to Montego Bay, Jamaica.
- Airport officials accuse Avelo of dodging financial obligations and dispute claims of low demand.
- Avelo received significant state incentives, including revenue guarantees and fee waivers.
- The airline's departure follows Spirit Airlines' recent exit from Bradley.
Avelo's Departure and Airport Authority's Reaction
The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) expressed deep disappointment and surprise at Avelo's decision. This departure follows a period where the airline received substantial financial support and incentives from the state. The CAA highlighted strong performance on the Montego Bay route, contradicting Avelo's stated reasons for leaving.
The airline informed the CAA of its decision to leave Bradley on Wednesday. Avelo currently operates three routes from the airport: Punta Cana, Cancun, and Montego Bay.
Route Performance Data
- Montego Bay: Load factors ranged from 80% in April to 95% in July.
- Houston (previous route): Launched at 70% in November 2024, peaked near 96% before ending after two months.
The CAA described these load factors as "very healthy" for the airline industry. They argue that the decision to cancel the Montego Bay route is inexplicable given the strong ridership, subsidies, incentives, and community support the airline received.
Financial Obligations and State Incentives
The CAA has accused Avelo of trying to avoid its contractual obligations. Avelo benefited from a revenue guarantee from the state, marketing assistance, and waivers for airport landing fees and terminal rent during its first year of operation. These are standard incentives offered to new carriers at Bradley to help them establish routes and build a customer base.
Incentives for New Airlines
New airlines often receive incentives like revenue guarantees, marketing support, and fee waivers to encourage them to operate at an airport. These agreements typically come with specific terms and durations, aiming to foster long-term service.
As the incentive period concluded, Avelo reportedly requested to be released from its obligation to pay rent for terminal space through June 30, 2027. The CAA denied this request, emphasizing the significant investment made in the airline's success.
"The CAA understands Avelo’s financial distress and the impacts of public backlash related to its other business decisions, but the CAA cannot relieve Avelo of its financial commitments after investing so much in the airline’s success," the authority stated.
Wider Industry Challenges and Controversies
Avelo's departure marks the second budget airline to leave Bradley in recent weeks. Spirit Airlines announced in September it would end service at the airport on October 31, amidst its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in under a year. Spirit had also cited the state's aviation fuel user fee and lower-than-expected demand when it canceled its Jamaica route from Bradley in 2024.
The CAA, however, argues that the impact of Connecticut's aviation fuel user fee is "de minimis" on a per-flight basis. They stated it is comparable to aviation fuel taxes in other states, suggesting it is not the primary factor behind Avelo's decision.
Deportation Flight Controversy
The authority also suggested that any decline in demand for Avelo's services might stem from public backlash. This backlash relates to the airline's decision to operate deportation flights for the U.S. government.
In April, Attorney General William Tong sent a letter to Avelo CEO Andrew Levy. Tong expressed deep disappointment and requested details about the company’s deportation flight policies, including whether it would transport shackled children or operate flights against court orders. Levy's response was met with sharp criticism from Tong, who called it "totally unacceptable" and "insulting."
The airline directed the Attorney General to file a Freedom of Information Act request for details on the Department of Homeland Security contract. Tong emphasized that Avelo chose to contract with DHS and potentially transport individuals in violation of the law.
This controversy led state legislators to introduce a bill that would prohibit companies operating deportation flights from receiving state contracts.
Future of Nonstop Jamaica Service
Despite Avelo's exit, the CAA is optimistic about restoring the popular Jamaica route. The authority announced it is "already fielding interest from other carriers" interested in resuming nonstop service to Jamaica from Bradley International Airport. This indicates a strong market demand for the route, reinforcing the CAA's position regarding Avelo's claims of insufficient demand.
The ongoing discussions with other airlines aim to ensure that Connecticut residents will soon have access to direct flights to popular Caribbean destinations once again. The airport remains committed to expanding its international flight options.
