Fri Oct 24 12:20:00 UTC 2025: Avelo Airlines Abandons Bradley Airport, Leaving West Indian Community Stranded
WINDSOR, CT – Avelo Airlines is ending all flights from Bradley International Airport, including its popular nonstop route to Montego Bay, Jamaica, a move that is drawing criticism and leaving the West Indian community in Greater Hartford with limited direct travel options.
The announcement, made Thursday, has sparked disappointment and concern among residents who relied on the convenient link to Jamaica, which launched in November of last year. “Disappointment. That’s the first thing that went through my head,” said Andrew Lawrence, president of the Caribbean Trade Council, highlighting the flight’s importance for those who frequently travel between Hartford and Jamaica for family visits, medical appointments, and extended stays.
For frequent flyers like Sherwane Hudson, the Avelo flight was a “godsend.” “We go back home a lot, so I know that it was a big factor, especially a direct flight to Montego Bay,” Hudson said.
Avelo cited financial reasons for its departure, claiming that revenue from the Bradley routes was insufficient to cover costs. In a statement, Avelo stated that its exit from Bradley was “made based on facts” – claiming the money they made wasn’t enough to cover costs and that any other interpretation of their decision is “unfortunate, false and uninformed.”
However, the Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) disputes Avelo’s claims. The CAA said it offered the airline incentives such as waiving fuel tax and terminal rent. They further allege that Avelo hasn’t paid anything, and had requested these incentives be extended through June 2027. The CAA denied this request.
Data obtained by NBC Connecticut also showed strong passenger numbers on the Montego Bay route, ranging from 80% capacity in April to 95% in July.
The airline has faced recent scrutiny in Connecticut for operating deportation flights for the Department of Homeland Security.
Avelo flights will continue through January, and the airline has stated that it will issue refunds for any canceled bookings. The CAA said it is already receiving interest from other carriers looking to fill the void left by Avelo. Lawrence remains optimistic that another airline will step in to maintain the vital connection between Hartford and Jamaica. “We’ll make it through, and I’m confident that there’s going to be another carrier that will take up this initiative,” he said.
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