LAKELAND, Fla. — Avelo Airlines is launching passenger service Thursday at Lakeland International Airport, with flights to New Haven, Connecticut.

Lakeland International has not seen passenger service in 12 years, and is hoping to build on passenger service as Avelo takes off today.

What You Need To Know

  •  Lakeland International Airport has not had passenger service for 12 years

  •  Avelo Airlines will offer flights between Lakeland and New Haven, Connecticut two days a week

  •  Airport administrators saying Lakeland's security checkpoint and ramps were updated to accomodate the new passenger service

  • Avelo Airlines is a low-cost carrier flying in and out of 50 destinations across the U.S. 

  • Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines is a low-fair provider that flies between 50 destinations in the US. It had the fewest flight cancellations in 2023, and ranked #2 in on-time performance, according to Anuvu, which provides content for the airline industry.

Service using Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft will include two flights each week between Lakeland and New Haven, Conneticuit, home of Yale University but also close to popular Northeast destinations like New York City. Fares are being advertised as $81 to start, each-way.

Lakeland International has been working for months to launch Avelo’s passenger service, with a update of its security checkpoint, as well as ramps to accomodate Avelo’s passenger planes.

Airport Director Kris Hallstrand says the airport hopes to build on passenger service in the coming years.

“You will see some growth here at Lakeland,” Hallstrand said. “We don’t know what the future holds, but there is a lot of work to do with terminal expansions and parking lot expansions, but we are working toward that diligently and our goal is to provide the best service we can in Lakeland.”

Avelo Airlines offers service up and down the East and West Coast of the US, including service to mid west cities like Chicago’s Midway Airport.

“Avelo Airline flights to and from Lakeland Linder International Airport mark the dawn of a new era in passenger air service for visitors and our residents," said Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz. "We eagerly anticipate travelers discovering the incredible amenities that our community has to offer."