Avelo adds 27th city to CT flights; doubling flights to Puerto Rico this winter

Avelo Airlines announced on Tuesday that it will begin flying nonstop to New Orleans Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport of Tweed-New Haven Airport starting on November 14th, its 27th destination from Tweed.

Flights to New Orleans will leave Tweed on Thursdays and Sundays. Introductory fares will start at $79. Travelers must also pay for seat selection and checked baggage. Reservations can be made at aveloair.com.

Breeze Airways expands to second CT airport. Competition for travelers is increasing.

The budget airline also announced that it will double flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico this winter. From November 8th, Avelo will fly to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport four times a week, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Avelo started flying to San Juan November 15, 2023.

Avelo also said it will double its Tweed-based Boeing 737-800 Next Generation fleet to eight. With two planes in Florida dedicated to flights to Connecticut, more than half of the company’s 19 aircraft will be dedicated to Connecticut, the company said.

“Avelo is proud to be Connecticut’s airline and continue to grow in New Haven with a new route to New Orleans, more flights to Puerto Rico this winter and increased customer capacity,” said Avelo founder and CEO , Andrew Levy, in a statement.

“With 27 direct destinations to choose from in Tweed, it’s easier than ever for travelers to experience our convenient, affordable and reliable air service,” he said. “I appreciate the support Avelo has received from government, community and business leaders across the state and send special thanks to our incredible Connecticut crew members who make it all happen.”

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said, “With New Haven’s focus on cultural equality and economic opportunity, New Orleans is an exceptionally important new destination. Avelo’s uninterrupted service will strengthen existing ties between our cities and help foster new collaborations in the arts, academia and innovation.”

Avelo also recently announced that it would begin flying to Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Cancún, Mexico, from Bradley International Airport.

New Haven is Avelo’s largest base, employing more than 250 crew members. Since began to fly from Tweed As of November 2021, Avelo has transported more than 2.4 million customers on more than 18,000 flights, according to the statement.

About that, Air Breeze announced Tuesday will begin to fly from Tweed to 11 destinations, starting December 10 to Fort Myers, Florida.

Ed Stannard can be contacted at estannard@courant.com.