The community of Wilmington, North Carolina, is set to lose its only international flight, which connected Wilmington International Airport (ILM) to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. This service, operated by Avelo Airlines, has been short-lived, having commenced on December 24, 2023, and will cease operations after January 24, 2024. The decision comes as Avelo Airlines plans to close its Wilmington base and reduce its network by cutting seven routes, marking a significant reduction in service for local travelers.
Impact of Route Closure
The seasonal service to Punta Cana was a notable achievement for ILM, which had celebrated the launch of its first international route. Avelo Airlines provided flights twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays using Boeing 737-700 aircraft. According to the airline, the route offered competitive pricing, with round-trip fares advertised at a base rate of just $18 each way, plus taxes and fees, totaling approximately $217 for a return journey.
Despite this promising start, the international connection will soon be replaced by domestic flights only. Wilmington International Airport will retain the “international” in its name, but without any international services, it will revert to a focus on domestic travel. Avelo Airlines has indicated that its operations will shift to four primary bases: New Haven, Wilmington (Delaware), Concord Padgett, and Lakeland Linder.
Economic Contributions and Future Outlook
The loss of the Punta Cana route is disheartening, especially following the airport’s recent investments to enhance facilities, including customs and border patrol capabilities. The hope was that success with this international service would pave the way for additional routes and airlines. Since Avelo began operations at ILM three years ago, the airline has transported over a quarter of a million passengers, contributing more than $1.1 billion to the local economy.
As Avelo consolidates its services, Wilmington will still have access to popular domestic destinations such as Nashville, New Haven, Tampa, Washington Dulles, and Baltimore. Customers with bookings on affected itineraries will be contacted by Avelo regarding alternative travel options or may be eligible for refunds or credits.
In terms of market share, Avelo Airlines has quickly risen to become the second-largest carrier at Wilmington International Airport, holding a 12.76% market share of all flights as of 2025, trailing only American Airlines, which commands a 21% market share. Despite this growth, the airline’s international offerings will soon diminish, forcing travelers seeking international connections to seek alternatives, such as Raleigh–Durham International Airport or Charlotte Douglas International Airport, or connecting flights through major carriers like American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, and United Airlines.
The community’s response to this change will undoubtedly reflect the disappointment of losing a direct international link, while also recognizing the ongoing commitment of Avelo Airlines to support domestic travel in the region.
