In a showdown between major low-cost carriers, Breeze Airways and Avelo Airlines are set to compete head-to-head at New Haven’s Tweed Regional Airport (HVN) in Connecticut. This rivalry marks a significant shift in the region’s air travel landscape, as both airlines vie for market share at this increasingly popular hub.
Breeze Airways Expands with New Routes from New Haven
Breeze Airways has recently added Tweed-New Haven Airport to its route map, signaling its intent to establish a strong presence in the Northeast. The airline will launch nearly a dozen new flights along the East Coast, all of which are set to begin this winter. Passengers can book these flights directly through Breeze’s website or app, with routes including:
Fort Myers (RSW): Operating 4x weekly starting on Dec. 10
Orlando (MCO): Operating daily starting on Feb. 5, 2025
West Palm Beach (PBI): Operating 5x weekly starting on Dec. 11
Vero Beach (VRB): Operating twice weekly starting on Dec. 13
Charleston (CHS): Operating 4x weekly starting Feb. 6, 2025
Jacksonville (JAX): Operating twice weekly starting on Feb. 6, 2025
Norfolk (ORF): Operating twice weekly starting on Feb. 6, 2025
Richmond (RIC): Operating twice weekly starting on Feb. 6, 2025
Raleigh-Durham (RDU): Operating twice weekly starting on Feb. 7, 2025
Sarasota (SRQ): Operating twice weekly, starting Feb. 7, 2025
New Orleans (MSY): Operating twice weekly, starting Feb. 6, 2025, on a one-stop BreezeThru service
Avelo Airlines’ Stronghold in New Haven Faces New Competition
Avelo Airlines has been the dominant player at Tweed-New Haven Airport since its launch during the pandemic. With its mission to connect smaller airports to popular destinations at an affordable price, Avelo has carved out a significant market share at its primary operating base in New Haven. The airline has enjoyed a near-monopoly at the airport, being the sole carrier for nearly three years.
However, Breeze’s entry into the market brings direct competition, with more than half of Breeze’s new flights overlapping with Avelo’s existing routes. This overlap is expected to drive ticket prices lower as both carriers compete for passengers.
History of Competition: Avelo and Breeze Go Head-to-Head Again
This is not the first time Breeze and Avelo have clashed over route expansions. In July, Avelo launched service from Bradley International Airport in Hartford, a key operating base for Breeze. The competition between the two airlines has been marked by their contrasting fleet choices: Breeze operates a modern fleet of Airbus A220 aircraft, featuring domestic first-class recliner seats, while Avelo’s fleet consists of Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft with economy seating throughout.
Strategic Expansion in the Northeast
Breeze Airways’ chief commercial officer, Lukas Johnson, highlighted the strategic importance of the Northeast region in the airline’s growth plans. “From ‘Day One’ our playbook has included significant growth across the Northeast region of the U.S. due to the high population density and limited nonstop travel options,” Johnson said in a statement to Travel + Leisure. He added that Breeze’s unique air service model has been a “game-changer” for the area, providing residents with affordable flights from convenient airports such as Hartford, Westchester County, Providence, Stewart-Newburgh, and now New Haven.
Conclusion
As Breeze Airways and Avelo Airlines prepare to compete at Tweed-New Haven Airport, travelers in the region stand to benefit from increased options and potentially lower fares. With both airlines committed to expanding their presence in the Northeast, the competition at New Haven’s regional airport is set to intensify, offering more choices for passengers and reshaping the air travel landscape in Connecticut. As this rivalry unfolds, it will be interesting to see how each carrier adapts to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.