Avelo Airlines Ends Flights at Bradley Airport, Impacting Travelers

HARTFORD, Conn. — Avelo Airlines has announced that it will cease all flights from Bradley International Airport, including its nonstop service to Jamaica. This decision is causing concern among the West Indian community in Greater Hartford.

“It was like a godsend,” said Sherwane Hudson of Windsor, who frequently traveled to Jamaica on Avelo’s direct flight. He emphasized how important this route to Montego Bay was for him and many others. “We go back home a lot, so I know that it was a big factor, especially a direct flight,” he added.

Avelo made the announcement Thursday, sparking disappointment within the community. Andrew Lawrence, president of the Caribbean Trade Council, expressed his feelings regarding the decision. “Disappointment. That’s the first thing that went through my head,” he said.

Lawrence noted that the nonstop flight had been essential for the local West Indian population since it started in November. It provided critical access for many retirees who traveled for medical visits back to Connecticut. “They live in Jamaica, however, they plan all of their medical visits back here,” he explained.

The airline faced scrutiny for its involvement in deportation flights for the Department of Homeland Security. In its statement, Avelo cited financial losses as the reason for ending its service at Bradley. They claimed any alternative interpretation of their decision is “unfortunate, false and uninformed.”

Meanwhile, the Connecticut Airport Authority stated that it had offered Avelo various incentives to improve their operations, including waiving flight fuel taxes and terminal rent. Despite these incentives, the CAA claimed that Avelo had not fulfilled its financial obligations and had requested extensions through June 2027.

According to data from NBC Connecticut, the flight to Montego Bay had an occupancy rate ranging from 80% in April to 95% in July, suggesting strong demand for the route. Lawrence remains hopeful that another airline will take over the service, stating, “I’m confident that there’s going to be another carrier that will take up this initiative.”

For those with booked flights, Avelo has informed the Airport Authority that all services will be discontinued starting in January. Customers with canceled flights will receive refunds, and the CAA is already receiving inquiries from potential new carriers.