URGENT UPDATE: Avelo Airlines has just announced the closure of its entire West Coast operations, marking a significant shift for the budget airline. Effective December 2, 2025, the airline will cease all flights from Hollywood Burbank Airport, where it has operated for over four years, citing financial challenges as the primary reason.
This decision comes as Avelo’s CEO, Andrew Levy, confirmed that the company will reduce its fleet in Los Angeles County to just one aircraft by mid-August before the total shutdown. Avelo, known for its ultra-low-cost fares, has faced increasing competition and financial hurdles that have made it unsustainable to continue service in the region.
Despite celebrating the milestone of flying its 1 millionth passenger in 2023, Avelo has struggled to maintain profitability in Southern California. Levy explained, “We believe the continuation of service from Hollywood Burbank Airport in the current operating environment will not deliver adequate financial returns.”
Passengers with existing bookings can cancel flights online for a full refund. Meanwhile, Avelo is shifting its focus to the East Coast, relocating its Burbank fleet to locations with better growth prospects, including Hartford, Connecticut; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Wilmington, Delaware. All California-based employees will be offered transfer opportunities to these new hubs.
Avelo’s departure from Burbank follows a tumultuous period marked by backlash over its partnership with the U.S. Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to provide charter flights for deportation efforts. Although the company has denied any connection between this partnership and its closure decision, the controversy has led to calls for boycotts across social media.
Passengers and employees are urged to stay updated as more details emerge. This sudden closure underscores the ongoing volatility in the airline industry and the challenges faced by budget carriers in a highly competitive environment.
As this story develops, Avelo Airlines’ shift away from the West Coast raises questions about the future of low-cost air travel in Southern California and the impact on local passengers and staff. Stay tuned for more updates on this breaking news.
