Airline recommits to Charlotte area but closes bases at two other NC airports
Following an influx of cash, Avelo Airlines is cementing its long-term commitment to the Charlotte region, but the company is closing its bases at the Wilmington and Raleigh-Durham airports.
The Houston-based budget carrier recently recapitalized leaving it in a strong cash position relative to its size in the airline industry, according to a late Tuesday announcement. The restructuring in North Carolina was part of a national reorganization.
Avelo plans to boost its presence at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in Cabarrus County, a key base for the airline. To support increased flight during the spring and summer, Avelo is expanding its local fleet to three aircraft. This expansion is expected to bolster job stability for the more than 75 employees based in Concord.
In addition to the third aircraft, Avelo is increasing service on its route between Concord and Albany, New York. In mid-March, Avelo will go from three flights per week to four to Albany.
The airline will continue to provide nonstop service to: Lakeland/Orlando, Fla.; New Haven, Connecticut; New York/Long Island; Rochester, New York; and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
To accommodate more passengers, Avelo is also upgrading its fleet capacity in Concord, replacing 149-seat Boeing aircraft with larger 189-seat models.
While the airline confirmed these operational upgrades, it would not say how much money it was investing in the changes at Concord-Padgett or the extent of its recapitalization.
North Carolina bases slashed amid growth
While the Charlotte-Concord area is seeing increased resources, the airline is simultaneously streamlining its broader network. This strategy involves closing bases and dropping flights at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Wilmington International Airport (ILM).
The closures are part of an effort to optimize the fleet, said spokeswoman Courtney Goff.
We’ll be extending our schedule through summer/early all by the end of the month to showcase more of these exciting additions.
Job totals being cut in Raleigh and Wilmington were not disclosed by the airline. Despite the base closures, Avelo will not exit these markets entirely.
Avelo will continue serving RDU from New Haven, Conn. and Rochester, N.Y. The airline will also continue operating in Wilmington for flights to Nashville, Tennessee, New Haven, Tampa and the Washington, D.C./Baltimore region.
A growing alternative to Charlotte Douglas Airport
Since coming to the Charlotte region in May 2024, Avelo has transported over 230,000 customers on more than 2,000 flights. As the third airline to operate out of Concord-Padgett, Avelo joins Allegiant Air and Sun Country Airlines in utilizing the single-runway facility.
Trevor Yealy, Avelo’s head of commercial development, previously highlighted the airport’s convenience as a major draw for travelers. “Easy in, easy out,” Yealy said, noting that theConcord parking lot’s proximity to the terminal offers a seamless alternative to the massive, high-traffic hub at nearby Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
The Concord airport opened in 1994 and was renamed in 2018 to honor former Mayor Scott Padgett. The airport has long been a favorite for NASCAR teams due to its location near Charlotte Motor Speedway.
This story was originally published January 7, 2026 at 12:29 PM.
