Avelo Airlines Crowns Concord-Padgett as Core Powerhouse; Fleet Upgrade and Strategic Shifts Redefine Ultra-Low-Cost Travel
By USA NY PATRICK January 7, 2026
CONCORD, NC — In a bold strategic pivot that underscores the shifting tides of the regional aviation market, Avelo Airlines has officially designated Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) as one of its primary operational hubs. The announcement, made Tuesday, January 6, 2026, marks a significant “doubling down” on the Charlotte-adjacent airport while simultaneously signaling a retreat from other North Carolina markets in a bid for maximum operational efficiency.
The “Concord Commitment” is the cornerstone of a broader national realignment. As Avelo recapitalizes its balance sheet to become one of the most cash-flush carriers in the U.S. relative to its size, it is focusing its firepower on a handful of high-performance bases: New Haven (HVN), Philadelphia/Delaware Valley (ILG), Central Florida/Lakeland (LAL), and now, Concord-Padgett.
The Concord Expansion: More Seats, Newer Planes
Avelo’s decision to elevate Concord isn’t just about labels; it’s about hardware. The airline revealed plans to add a third aircraft to the Concord base. More importantly, it is retiring its older fleet in the region to make room for the Boeing 737-800.
For travelers, the upgrade is a game-changer for availability. The Boeing 737-800 is a significant jump in capacity over the previous 737-700 models:
- Previous Capacity (737-700): 149 Seats
- New Capacity (737-800): 189 Seats
- The Difference: An additional 40 seats per flight, or a nearly 27% increase in available inventory for Queen City area travelers.
“Avelo’s three new nonstop routes in Charlotte/Concord showcase the continued demand for convenient, affordable, and industry-leading reliability in the Queen City region,” said Avelo Founder and CEO Andrew Levy. With these additions, Avelo will serve 10 nonstop destinations from Concord, including newly launched routes to Chicago (O’Hare) and Nashville starting in February 2026.
The Strategy of Sacrifice: Closing Raleigh and Wilmington Bases
Efficiency often requires difficult subtractions. To support the growth in Concord and New Haven, Avelo confirmed it will close its operational bases in Raleigh-Durham (RDU) and Wilmington (ILM) effective late January 2026.
While these cities will remain in Avelo’s flight network as destinations, they will no longer house aircraft or crews overnight.
- Raleigh-Durham (RDU): Will continue to be served via flights from New Haven and Rochester.
- Wilmington (ILM): Will maintain connections to Nashville, Tampa, New Haven, and Washington/Baltimore.
By consolidating resources at its “core four” bases, Avelo aims to streamline maintenance, staffing, and scheduling—a move essential for an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) trying to maintain a profit in a high-cost fuel environment.
The New Frontier: Dallas/McKinney 2026
While North Carolina sees a consolidation, the carrier is setting its sights on the heart of Texas. Avelo has signed a five-year agreement to become the launch partner for commercial service at McKinney National Airport (TKI).
Scheduled to open in late 2026, this new base will serve as the North Texas alternative to the crowded DFW and Love Field airports. Just as Concord-Padgett offers a stress-free alternative to Charlotte Douglas, McKinney will offer Frisco and Plano residents a “loophole” to avoid the legendary TSA lines of Dallas’s major hubs.
The Human Impact: 75+ Jobs and Growing
The Concord-Padgett base currently employs over 75 crewmembers, including pilots, flight attendants, and technical operations staff. The addition of the third aircraft and the transition to the 737-800 is expected to spark a new hiring wave in the Concord area.
Dirk Vanderleest, Director of Aviation for the City of Concord, noted that visitors will soon experience the warmth of the region while local travelers gain unprecedented access to the Midwest and the East Coast. “We are honored Avelo continues to grow with us—establishing a new base and adding routes that connect our residents to the world.”
2026: A Year of Transformation
Avelo’s 2026 roadmap is clear: Simplify and Scale. By retiring six 737-700s and preparing for the arrival of its recently ordered Embraer 195-E2 jets, the airline is positioning itself as a modern, fuel-efficient competitor.
Whether you’re looking for a $35 fare to Nashville or a direct escape to San Juan, Puerto Rico, the message from Concord is clear: the airline of the “underserved airport” has officially arrived.
As Avelo Airlines solidifies its presence at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) and transforms its national network, many travelers have questions about what these changes mean for their future travel plans.
Here are the most frequently asked questions regarding the 2026 strategic expansion.
General Strategy & Bases
Why did Avelo choose Concord-Padgett as a main base? Concord-Padgett serves as a convenient, low-congestion alternative to the much larger Charlotte Douglas International (CLT). By making it a primary base, Avelo can offer lower fares and better on-time performance while focusing its resources on a market with high demand for secondary-airport convenience.
Which other bases is Avelo focusing on in 2026? Avelo is streamlining its national network around four key “core” bases:
- Concord, NC (USA)
- New Haven, CT (HVN)
- Philadelphia / Delaware Valley (ILG)
- Central Florida / Lakeland (LAL)
Additionally, a new base at Dallas / McKinney, Texas (TKI) is scheduled to open in late 2026.
Which bases are closing, and why? To drive efficiency and consolidate resources following a major recapitalization, Avelo is closing its operational bases in Raleigh-Durham (RDU) and Wilmington (ILM) on January 26, 2026. This move allows the airline to put more aircraft and crew members into high-performing hubs like Concord.
Flight & Fleet Upgrades
What is the benefit of the new Boeing 737-800 aircraft? The transition from the 737-700 to the 737-800 is a major capacity upgrade. The newer planes hold 189 seats, which is 40 more seats per flight than the previous model. This extra capacity helps keep fares low by spreading operational costs across more passengers.
Will Avelo still fly to Raleigh and Wilmington? Yes. While the bases are closing (meaning planes won’t be stationed there overnight), Avelo will still offer flights to these cities as destinations:
- Raleigh (RDU): Service will continue from New Haven and Rochester.
- Wilmington (ILM): Service will continue from Nashville, New Haven, Tampa, and Washington/Baltimore.
Destinations & Routes
How many nonstop destinations does Avelo now offer from Concord? With the recent expansion, Avelo now serves 10 nonstop destinations from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport. These include:
- Chicago (O’Hare, IL): Starting February 12, 2026.
- Nashville, TN: Starting February 12, 2026.
- San Juan, Puerto Rico: Launched October 2025.
- Other destinations: Albany (NY), Boston/Manchester (NH), Hartford (CT), New Haven (CT), New York/Long Island (ISP), Rochester (NY), and West Palm Beach (FL).
What makes the McKinney National Airport base in Dallas special? Opening in late 2026, the McKinney base (TKI) will follow the same successful model as Concord. It provides a “hassle-free” alternative for travelers in the North Texas area, allowing them to avoid the congestion and long TSA lines of DFW and Dallas Love Field.
Booking & Travel
Are there any changes to baggage or change fees? Avelo remains committed to its ultra-low-cost model:
- No change or cancellation fees.
- One free personal item included with every fare.
- Unbundled pricing (pay only for what you use, such as checked bags or priority boarding).
What happens if my existing flight is impacted by these changes? Avelo has stated that impacted customers will be notified directly by email and text. Assistance is available through the Avelo Customer Support Center or their official website.
Link: View Current Fares and New 2026 Flight Schedules
Would you like me to create a table comparing the flight times for the new Chicago and Nashville routes, or a guide on how to get from Concord-Padgett to Uptown Charlotte?
Avelo Airlines launches new base at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport This video provides on-the-ground coverage of Avelo’s initial base opening at Concord-Padgett, featuring interviews with airline leadership about their long-term commitment to the region.
