NEW CASTLE, Del. - In late October 2022, Avelo Airlines officials announced that the airline planned to launch its fourth base at Wilmington Airport (ILG), with flights beginning in February 2023. This Saturday, February 1, 2025, marks two full years of Avelo Airlines’ providing convenient, hassle-free and affordable commercial air service from Wilmington Airport (ILG).  That inaugural flight, bound for Orlando, FL, carried 137 happy sun-seeking passengers. 

Since then, Avelo has expanded its route map from Wilmington Airport (ILG) to 14 nonstop destinations including San Juan, Puerto Rico.  With two planes currently based at Wilmington, the airline has completed over 3,800 flights, carrying more than 530,000 Customers through ILG, handled by its 95 Wilmington-based Crewmembers.

“Avelo’s willingness to respond to Customer requests has been refreshing and their foresight in planning popular routes has proven successful time and time again,” said DRBA Executive Director Tom Cook. “Based on the consistent and frequent flight reservations, I am confident Avelo will continue to flourish at ILG. “

A recent example of such innovation includes pop-up flights to the Big Game’s host city, New Orleans (MSY), much to the excitement of Birds fans!  As of this writing, limited seats are still available.  Avelo’s return of Nashville (BNA) and Myrtle Beach (MYR) to the ILG schedule is also indicative of their understanding of the local customer base and tourism climate. 

Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “In February 2023, we endeavored to make air travel more affordable, faster and easier for Philadelphia area travelers. Over the past two years, we’ve done just that. We’ve transformed ILG from a non-commercial airport into a vibrant gateway to 14 nonstop destinations spanning five states and Puerto Rico, and we’ve done it with industry-leading reliability. We are grateful for the positive reception the region has greeted us with and look forward to continued growth in the year ahead.” 

As this partnership has evolved, DRBA made significant investment in marketing efforts, winning over local travelers and attracting residents in destination cities to visit our region. The influx of passengers and consequent demand for more convenient, accessible amenities has brought about many necessary improvements to the 1940’s-era building.   

With the acquisition of adjacent property, an additional parking lot was constructed and opened in October 2024 to increase total parking capacity to just over 1320 spots.   Currently, a terminal expansion is underway which includes adding a second gate and TSA screening line, enlarging waiting areas, renovating restroom facilities and enhancing food and beverage offerings.  

Slated to be completed in September 2025, the DRBA anticipates welcoming even more passengers to the newly remodeled and expanded Wilmington Airport (ILG) Terminal Building  to experience convenient, cost-friendly and customer service oriented Avelo Airlines.    

About the Delaware River and Bay Authority 
The DRBA, a bi-state governmental agency created by Compact in 1962, owns and operates the Delaware Memorial Bridge, the Cape May- Lewes Ferry, and the Forts Ferry Crossing.  The DRBA also manages two airports in New Jersey (Millville Executive Airport and Cape May Airport) and three in Delaware (Wilmington Airport, Civil Air Terminal and Delaware Airpark). All DRBA operating revenues are generated through the bridge, ferry and airport facilities.  For more information, visit www.drba.net.

About Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines’ purpose is to Inspire Travel by saving travelers time and money. The airline offers travelers time and money-saving convenience, everyday low fares, and a refreshingly smooth, caring and reliable travel experience. Operating a fleet of 20 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, Avelo serves 53 popular destinations across the United States, Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, including its six bases at Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR), Southern Connecticut’s Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), the Philadelphia / Delaware Valley region’s Wilmington Airport (ILG), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), the Bay Area’s Sonoma County Airport (STS) and Central Florida’s Lakeland International Airport (LAL). Avelo will open its seventh and eighth bases at Charlotte’s Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) and Coastal North Carolina’s Wilmington International Airport (ILM) in spring 2025. For more information visit AveloAir.com or the Avelo Newsroom at AveloAir.com/Newsroom. 

Media Contacts: 
Avelo Airlines – Courtney Goff cgoff@aveloair.com
DRBA – James Salmon james.salmon@drba.net