The community of Wilmington, North Carolina, is facing a significant change as its sole international service from Wilmington International Airport (ILM) comes to an end. Avelo Airlines, an American ultra-low-cost carrier, has announced the discontinuation of its route to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, effective January 24, 2024. This decision coincides with the airline’s plans to close its Wilmington base and cut seven routes as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations.
The seasonal service to Punta Cana had been introduced on December 24, 2023, and offered travelers a direct connection to the Caribbean. Avelo operated this route twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays using Boeing 737-700 aircraft. According to the airline’s website, the last available bookings for this route extend only through January, marking a brief chapter in the airport’s history.
Impact on Local Travel and Economy
The loss of this international connection is particularly poignant for Wilmington International Airport, which had recently celebrated its first international route. The airport underwent upgrades to accommodate customs and border patrol, enhancing its capacity for international travel. The short-lived Punta Cana route was anticipated to pave the way for additional international services, boosting the local economy.
In the past three years, Avelo Airlines has made a notable impact on the Wilmington area, transporting over a quarter of a million passengers and contributing more than $1.1 billion to the local economy. With the cessation of the Punta Cana service, Wilmington will revert to domestic flights only. Avelo will continue to operate routes to Nashville, New Haven, Tampa, Washington Dulles, and Baltimore.
Travelers who booked flights on the now-affected route can expect communication from Avelo regarding alternative itineraries or eligibility for refunds or credits. The airline’s move to consolidate its operations around four primary bases—New Haven, Wilmington (Delaware), Concord Padgett, and Lakeland Linder—reflects a shift in focus aimed at improving operational efficiency.
Wilmington’s Position in the Aviation Market
Despite the loss of its international service, Wilmington International Airport remains a vital hub for regional air travel. Data from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics indicates that Avelo has quickly risen to become the second-largest airline at ILM, capturing a market share of 12.76% between August 2024 and July 2025, just behind American Airlines, which holds a 21% market share.
While Avelo’s service to New Haven was among the top ten routes from ILM, the airport’s overall ranking still places it as the 108th busiest airport in the United States, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics company. As international options dwindle, residents seeking international travel will need to consider alternative routes through nearby Raleigh–Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport.
In summary, Wilmington International Airport’s loss of its only international route marks a turning point for the community. While Avelo Airlines will continue to serve domestic destinations, the absence of international flights underscores the challenges faced by smaller airports in sustaining global connections.
