Avelo Airlines continues to operate its current schedule at Wilmington Airport (ILG) through April. Wilmington has become one of the airline's stronger markets.
The federal government has ordered a 10% reduction in flights to 40 major airports due to the ongoing government shutdown. While Avelo typically serves smaller airports like Wilmington, it must reduce flights to major destinations such as Orlando.
Avelo highlighted its strategy of flying from smaller cities as the reason it can maintain its flight schedule, at least for now.
The ILG-Orlando route remains a key part of Avelo's market presence, securing a solid niche for the airline.
Regulators instructed major airlines to avoid limiting flight cuts only to their affiliated regional carriers serving smaller cities. There was concern that cities served by regional jets, such as Salisbury, Maryland, would face significant service reductions.
The timing coincides with a traditionally slow period for airlines, but there is uncertainty if the government shutdown extends through the Thanksgiving holiday.
If the government shutdown continues into the Thanksgiving holiday, all bets are off.
Avelo maintains its winter schedule by focusing on smaller markets but must adjust flights amid federal cuts impacting major airports during the government shutdown.