Avelo Airlines Leaving Newport News Airport

More rough times are ahead for the Newport News/Williamsburg Airport, which will soon lose service from Avelo Airlines — one of two that currently operate out of the regional hub.

Avelo notified the Peninsula Airport Commission, which represents Newport News and Hampton, that it would discontinue service from the airport after April 16, according to a news release.

The airline made the decision based on market factors that “far exceed” the control of the commission or the airport, the news release said.

Avelo Air has operated non-stop flights from Newport News to Florida cities Orlando and Fort Lauderdale on Tuesdays and Thursdays since October. The budget airline, launched in April 2021 and based in Houston, advertised prices starting at $49.

American Airlines flies direct to Charlotte from Newport News.

Avelo’s announced departure comes days after the airport’s commission voted to fire executive director Mike Giardino. The commission hoped changing leadership would help bring more commercial air service to the struggling airport.

Avelo Air, a boon to the airport, was expected to bring 225,000 passengers annually with its service to Florida.

The Peninsula Airport Commission plans to use a grant for small community air service development to attract other airlines to the Newport News airport, according to the news release.

A representative from Avelo Air did not respond to a request for comments Wednesday.

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