Introduction
In July 2025, Avelo Airlines, a Houston-based ultra-low-cost carrier known for flying to smaller, secondary airports, announced it would shut down its West Coast operations. The airline accelerated the exit, with most routes ending by August–October 2025 and the final flights wrapping up by early December 2025.
This strategic retreat marked the end of Avelo’s presence on the West Coast, where it had launched its first scheduled flights in 2021 from Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). The move allowed the airline to refocus resources on its stronger East Coast and Central U.S. network.
Current Status: Avelo’s 2026 Shift As of early 2026, the aviation landscape has shifted significantly. While the West Coast exit is finalized, Avelo has transitioned into a strictly Eastern and Central U.S. carrier. The airline is currently prioritizing growth in markets like Lakeland (LAL), Florida, and New Haven (HVN), moving away from the high-competition corridors of California and the Pacific Northwest. If you are looking for West Coast budget travel today, the “secondary airport” gap left by Avelo is primarily being filled by carriers like Allegiant and Southwest. This article explains the timeline, reasons, affected routes, and practical advice for anyone impacted.
Timeline of Avelo’s West Coast Exit
- July 2025: Avelo announces closure of its Hollywood Burbank (BUR) base and full West Coast withdrawal. The airline cited insufficient financial returns and the need to reposition aircraft to higher-performing markets.
- August 2025: Operations at Burbank reduced to just one aircraft. Several routes (including to Sonoma County, Salem, and others) ended mid-August.
- October 2025: Some reports noted an accelerated full exit around October 20 for certain operations.
- December 1–2, 2025: Final West Coast flights operated. Last routes included Burbank (BUR), Eureka/Arcata (ACV), Medford (MFR), Redmond/Bend (RDM), Eugene (EUG), Pasco (PSC), and others.
- January 2026: Further network changes announced, including base closures in Mesa (AZA), Raleigh-Durham (RDU), and Wilmington (ILM), plus ending controversial ICE deportation charter flights. Avelo refocused on core bases in New Haven (HVN), Philadelphia area (ILG), Charlotte/Concord (USA), Lakeland (LAL), and planned a new base in Dallas/McKinney (TKI) later in 2026.
Avelo’s CEO described the West Coast decision as “not an easy one,” noting the airline’s roots in Burbank, but emphasized the need to concentrate on profitable operations.
Why Did Avelo Exit the West Coast?
Several factors contributed:
- Financial performance: Many West Coast routes from secondary airports did not generate enough demand or revenue compared to East Coast markets.
- Fleet repositioning: Aircraft were needed elsewhere to support stronger routes and growth on the East Coast.
- Market competition: The West Coast ultra-low-cost segment is highly competitive, with established players and varying demand.
- Broader restructuring: The 2025 exit was followed by 2026 recapitalization, fleet adjustments (including returning some Boeing 737-700s), and network simplification.
- The ULCC Challenge in the West: Industry analysts point to a “perfect storm” that forced the Burbank exit. Unlike the East Coast, where Avelo dominates smaller airports with little competition, the West Coast market saw aggressive pricing from established giants. For travelers, this meant that while the $49 fares were attractive, the operational costs of maintaining a small fleet in high-cost California airports didn’t align with Avelo’s long-term recapitalization goals for 2026.
Note: Some reports also mentioned external factors like public backlash over Avelo’s earlier involvement in government charter flights, though the airline primarily cited business reasons.
Affected Routes & Airports (Key West Coast Examples)
Avelo’s West Coast network primarily served smaller airports. Major impacted routes included flights from/to:
| Former Avelo Route (from BUR) | 2026 Alternative Airline | Recommendation |
| Burbank to Santa Rosa (STS) | Alaska Airlines | Fly from BUR or LAX for direct access. |
| Burbank to Eugene (EUG) | Southwest / Allegiant | Check nearby LAX for more frequent daily flights. |
| Burbank to Boise (BOI) | Alaska / Southwest | These carriers have increased frequency on this route. |
| Burbank to Medford (MFR) | Alaska Airlines | Currently the most reliable direct option from the LA Basin. |
Many passengers on these routes received rebooking options, refunds, or vouchers where eligible. Some routes saw other carriers step in partially.
What This Means for Passengers in 2026
- If you had booked Avelo West Coast flights: Most services ended in 2025. Check your booking confirmation or the Avelo app/website for refund/voucher status. Contact Avelo customer service promptly.
- Refund & Compensation: For cancelled flights, Avelo typically offered refunds to the original payment method or travel vouchers. U.S. Department of Transportation rules require timely refunds for significant changes.
- Alternatives: Other low-cost carriers (Spirit, Frontier, Breeze, Southwest, etc.) serve many of these markets, often from nearby larger airports. Compare options carefully, as secondary airports were Avelo’s strength.
- Booking Tip: Always book directly with the airline when possible and consider travel insurance for future trips, especially with smaller carriers.
Practical Advice for Budget Airline Travelers
From following ULCC trends and passenger stories:
- Monitor your airline app and email frequently for schedule changes.
- Have a backup plan — smaller carriers can adjust networks quickly.
- Pack essentials in carry-on (many ULCCs have strict baggage fees).
- Read the fine print on change/cancellation policies before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. Does Avelo still fly out of Hollywood Burbank Airport?
A. No, Avelo officially ended all operations at Burbank (BUR) in late 2025. The airline no longer maintains a base or scheduled flights on the West Coast.
Q2. What happened to my Avelo flight credit from a canceled West Coast route?
A. Most credits from the 2025 exit have expiration dates. You should contact Avelo customer support or check your account at aveloair.com to see if those credits can be applied to their current East Coast routes.
Q3. Which budget airline is best for the West Coast now?
A. With Avelo gone, Southwest remains the dominant carrier at Burbank, while Allegiant and Breeze Airways continue to serve many secondary western markets.
Final Thoughts
Avelo Airlines’ West Coast exit in late 2025 was a significant strategic shift for the young airline. While disappointing for travelers who enjoyed its low fares from convenient secondary airports, it reflects the challenging economics of the ultra-low-cost model. The airline has since focused on stabilizing and growing in its core Eastern and Central U.S. markets.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check aveloair.com directly or contact their customer service. Aviation networks evolve quickly, what looks permanent today can change with new funding or market conditions.
If you were affected by Avelo’s West Coast withdrawal or have flown them recently, feel free to share your experience in the comments. Real passenger stories help others navigate similar situations.
