What once began as a bold venture into California’s skies is now coming to an unexpected end.
Avelo Airlines — a low-cost carrier that gained attention for offering flights as cheap as $29 — has announced it’s pulling the plug on all operations out of California, marking a dramatic retreat from the state where it first launched.
The decision comes at a time when the airline is facing growing criticism and business challenges on the West Coast, especially surrounding its recent involvement in federal deportation flights.
West Coast Flights to End by December 2025
Avelo officially revealed on Monday that it will be shutting down its base at Hollywood Burbank Airport.
All West Coast flights, which currently connect 10 cities including Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Portland, will cease by December 2, 2025.
This marks a significant step back from where it all started — the very first Avelo flight took off from Burbank back in 2021, as the airline launched during the height of the pandemic with hopes of becoming a go-to choice for affordable regional travel.
A Difficult Goodbye to Burbank
Company CEO Andrew Levy acknowledged the emotional weight of the decision, noting that Burbank wasn’t just another stop — it was the beginning of Avelo’s journey.
“Our operational roots are in BUR,” Levy said in a statement.
“We invested a lot of time, energy, and resources to make it work.”
But ultimately, he admitted, the numbers didn’t add up.
The West Coast market proved too tough for the airline to sustain.
All Eyes on the East Coast Now
Instead of shutting down entirely, Avelo is pivoting.
The airline will move its three aircraft currently based in California to the East Coast, where it believes there’s better room for growth.
“We’re seeing more efficient long-term growth opportunities on the East Coast,” the company said.
Avelo currently flies to 38 destinations, with most of its expansion now aimed at East Coast cities.
Deportation Contract Sparks Consumer Backlash
While the company insists this move is purely about business, not everyone’s buying it.
Avelo has recently found itself at the center of controversy after signing a contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in April.
Under the deal, Avelo agreed to fly migrants to detention centers both inside and outside the country.
Activists and consumer groups were quick to condemn the partnership, accusing the airline of enabling controversial immigration policies — particularly under the Trump administration.
“Protests Had No Effect,” Says Avelo
Despite mounting pressure and protests in both California and Connecticut (where the airline’s hub in New Haven is located), Avelo maintains the backlash had nothing to do with its exit from California.
“Neither protests nor our DHS contract influenced this decision,” a company spokesperson told DailyMail.com.
“They haven’t affected our business.”
Activists Claim Victory as Airline Retreats
Activist Nancy Klein, who has organized seven protests against Avelo in California, isn’t convinced.
She sees the airline’s sudden departure from the state as a direct result of mounting public pressure.
“This change in Avelo’s operations is proof that staying principled and persistent can bring change,” she said in a statement to Reuters.
Klein is already preparing the next protest, which will take place on July 27 at Burbank Airport.
What This Means for Budget Flyers in the West
For travelers who’ve relied on Avelo for cheap and convenient flights out of California, this is disappointing news.
The airline had carved out a niche for itself by offering no-frills, low-cost options to cities that were often overlooked by larger carriers.
Now, with Avelo gone, the budget travel market on the West Coast gets a little smaller — and potentially a little pricier.
Avelo’s Departure Leaves Questions Behind
As Avelo packs up and moves eastward, questions linger.
Was this purely a business decision? Or did the protests and calls for boycotts chip away at the airline’s standing in one of the country’s biggest markets?
Whatever the reason, Avelo’s exit from California marks a major shift in its strategy — and a reminder that in the world of aviation, political pressure and public perception can be just as powerful as economics.