Avelo Drops Deportation Flights

The carrier operated the flights for around nine months.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, January 07, 2026 at 04:11 PM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An Avelo Boeing 737-800. (Photo: Shutterstock | Markus Mainka)

Avelo will stop operating deportation flights for the federal government, ending a partnership that put the Houston-based carrier in an increasingly uncomfortable spotlight.

“Avelo will close the base at [Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona] on January 27 and will conclude all participation in the Biden and Trump DHS charter program,” an airline spokesperson said in a statement to AirlineGeeks. “The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs.”

The carrier noted that it did not see a drop in customers as a result of the contract. In 2025, Avelo served 2.6 million customers on scheduled commercial service, up 11% from 2024 with minimal seat growth.

“With our unique combination of everyday low fares, easy and convenient to use base airports, delivered with leading reliability, it is no surprise that customers continue to embrace us,” the airline’s statement read.

Avelo’s work for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement, was sharply criticized by some elected officials in states where the carrier operates. Civil rights and immigration groups have picketed outside airports served by the airline, arguing that the company profits from human suffering and that deportees have had their rights violated.

Avelo 737-800 — An Avelo Boeing 737-800 (Photo: Shutterstock | Edgardo M Moya)

In Delaware, state lawmakers had been considering a bill that would urge the operator of Wilmington Airport to reconsider marketing incentives for Avelo.

The decision to end deportation flights comes as Avelo prepares to restructure its commercial network. In addition to Mesa, the carrier is shutting down crew bases in Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington in North Carolina and ending some flights to and from those destinations. Avelo said it will focus its network around four smaller airports – New Haven, Connecticut; Wilmington, Delaware; Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina; and Lakeland, Florida.

Zach Vasile

Zach Vasile is a writer and editor covering news in all aspects of commercial aviation. He has reported for and contributed to the Manchester Journal Inquirer, the Hartford Business Journal, the Charlotte Observer, and the Washington Examiner, with his area of focus being the intersection of business and government policy.

Qatar Airways Completes Starlink Install on First 787s

Nearly 120 of the carrier’s widebody aircraft are now equipped with the satellite-based technology.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, January 07, 2026 at 04:04 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Katie Zera)

Qatar Airways this week became the first airline in the world to install Starlink on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

The Doha-based carrier said Wednesday that Starlink wireless internet service is now available on three of its 787-8s. The airline also finished Starlink installations across its A350 fleet in December, officials noted, marking another industry first.

Work on the A350s took about eight months.

“This progress cements the airline’s position as the global leader in Starlink-enabled long-haul and ultra-long-haul connectivity while also achieving the world’s first and largest Starlink-equipped A350 fleet – building on Qatar Airways’ legacy as the aircraft’s global launch customer,” the carrier said in a news release.

The airline finished rolling out Starlink across its 777 fleet in July.

Nearly 120 of Qatar Airways’ widebody jets – over half the carrier’s widebody fleet – are now equipped with the technology.

Starlink, which is owned by aerospace company SpaceX, provides wireless internet service from a constellation of more than 7,600 miniature satellites in low Earth orbit. It offers users ultra-high-speed connectivity at up to 500 mbps, which supports web-based functions like streaming and video calls.

Zach Vasile

Avelo to Close Three Crew Bases, Restructure Network

The carrier also plans to open a new base in Texas this year.

Zach Vasile

Wednesday, January 07, 2026 at 02:01 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

An Avelo Boeing 737 aircraft. (Photo: Avelo Airlines)

Ultra-low-cost carrier Avelo is restructuring its network and closing crew bases after a recent cash infusion.

In a statement, the airline said it will streamline its network around four current bases – New Haven, Connecticut; Wilmington, Delaware; Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina; and Lakeland, Florida. Crew bases in Mesa, Arizona, and Raleigh-Durham and Wilmington in North Carolina will close.

Avelo said it will continue serving Raleigh-Durham from New Haven and Rochester, New York, and Wilmington, North Carolina, from Nashville, Tennessee; New Haven; Tampa, Florida; and Baltimore/Washington.

It was not immediately clear when the bases would be shut down, and the carrier did not say if there would be layoffs.

Boarding Avelo’s first ever commercial flight in Burbank. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | Taylor Rains)

Airline officials acknowledged the restructuring will come with schedule changes “that will impact many customer itineraries” but did not disclose the affected routes. Passengers will be notified of relevant changes directly through email and text messages, they said.

Routes currently served by Avelo but not listed as continuing in its announcement include Raleigh to Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Albany, New York, and Wilmington, North Carolina, to Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, and Orlando in Florida; Detroit; Washington Dulles; Rochester; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Islip, New York.

Wilmington International Airport said in a statement Tuesday that all of the affected destinations are served by other airlines, including Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Breeze, and Sun Country. The changes will come into effect in late January, it said.

Avelo also said it will open a new crew base at McKinney National Airport in Texas later this year. The general aviation airport is currently building a commercial airline terminal, and Avelo is its first confirmed passenger airline.

Fleet Changes

Airline officials also announced plans to retire six Boeing 737-700 aircraft. This will leave Avelo operating mainly with the more efficient 737-800, they said.

The carrier in September ordered up to 100 Embraer E195‑E2s to modernize its fleet.

Zach Vasile

Starlux Adds First A350-1000

The Taiwanese airline has ordered 18 of the type.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, January 06, 2026 at 05:07 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

Starlux's first A350-1000 with special livery. (Photo: Airbus)

Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A350-1000 aircraft this week.

In a statement, Airbus said Starlux is now officially the eleventh operator of the variant worldwide.

The new jet will join Starlux’s 10 A350-900s on long-haul routes connecting Taipei with destinations in Europe and North America. It will also be used for select destinations within the Asia/Pacific region.

To mark the A350-1000’s arrival, the airline commissioned a special livery blending its brand colors with a carbon-fiber motif reflecting the composite materials used in the aircraft’s construction. The numerals “1000” have been painted on the airplane’s fuselage.

Starlux has ordered a total of 18 A350-1000s. Its current fleet consists of A350-900s, A330-900s, and A321neos.

Zach Vasile

JetBlue Axes Three Routes

The carrier’s latest network shake-up includes exiting an international market.

Ryan Ewing

Tuesday, January 06, 2026 at 04:05 PM ET

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Zach Vasile

A JetBlue A321 (Photo: Shutterstock | Avi Johnson)

JetBlue will discontinue several routes later this spring as the carrier continues to adjust its network.

The airline will end service between Boston and Dallas/Fort Worth, as well as between New York’s LaGuardia Airport and Tampa, according to aviation insider JonNYC on X. The final day of operation on both routes will be March 11.

The airline said the changes will allow it to redeploy aircraft and crews to “new and high-performing markets,” including adding additional frequencies between LaGuardia and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Customers booked on the Boston–Dallas/Fort Worth route will have the option to be rebooked via Fort Lauderdale or receive a full refund to their original form of payment. Those traveling on the LaGuardia–Tampa route may be rebooked from New York–JFK, connect through Fort Lauderdale, or opt for a full refund, the airline said.

International Cut

JetBlue will also end its seasonal service between New York–JFK and Tulum on March 11, exiting the Mexican leisure market entirely. The carrier noted it will continue to serve other major destinations in Mexico, including nearby Cancun.

An airline spokesperson confirmed these cuts to AirlineGeeks on Tuesday.

Other carriers have also scaled back service to Tulum since the destination’s new airport opened in late 2023. Several U.S. airlines that initially launched multiple routes have trimmed capacity or canceled flights as demand did not meet early projections. Delta cut seasonal service from Minneapolis–St. Paul and Detroit, while maintaining only its Atlanta–Tulum flights, and American ended its Charlotte–Tulum service earlier in 2025.

Ryan Ewing

Ryan founded AirlineGeeks.com back in February 2013 and has amassed considerable experience in the aviation sector. His work has been featured in several publications and news outlets, including CNN, WJLA, CNET, and Business Insider. During his time in the industry, he's worked in roles pertaining to airport/airline operations while holding a B.S. in Air Transportation Management from Arizona State University along with an MBA. Ryan has experience in several facets of the industry from behind the yoke of a Cessna 172 to interviewing airline industry executives. Ryan works for AirlineGeeks' owner FLYING Media, spearheading coverage in the commercial aviation space.

American Begins High-Speed Wi-Fi Rollout

The service is free for AAdvantage members.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, January 06, 2026 at 10:45 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An American Boeing 737-800. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

American will start phasing in high-speed wireless internet across its fleet later this month.

The carrier will first connect “100% of [its] narrowbody and dual-class regional fleets,” officials said Tuesday, and by early spring, “nearly every” American flight will offer high-speed Wi-Fi.

The satellite-based service is sponsored by AT&T. It is being made available for free to AAdvantage members.

“Free high-speed Wi-Fi isn’t just a perk – it’s essential for today’s travelers,” Heather Garboden, American’s chief customer officer, said in a statement. “That’s why we’re proud to begin rolling out this new offering, sponsored by AT&T, across the majority of our fleet. Once rollout is completed, every AAdvantage member can stay connected, stream, and share almost anywhere their journey takes them for free.”

AAdvantage members will be able to access high-speed Wi-Fi through an upgraded aainflight.com portal. Once they log in using their AAdvantage number and password, they can select “Free Wi-Fi” to start using.

American currently offers wireless internet to passengers across its mainline fleet for a fee. The new service is expected to be faster and have much greater bandwidth.

Zach Vasile

United Names Most Popular International Destinations of 2025

See the top route in your state.

Zach Vasile

Tuesday, January 06, 2026 at 09:37 AM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A United Boeing 767-300 aircraft. (Photo: Shutterstock | Michael Derrer Fuchs)

United has revealed its most-booked international destinations from the U.S in 2025.

The most popular foreign destination for the year was London, followed by Cancún, Tokyo, Toronto, and Vancouver. Rome, Mexico City, Paris, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and Frankfurt rounded out the top 10.

A state-by-state breakdown of the most popular international destinations showed two very large camps, at least purely by geography – Cancún, which took the top spot in Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, and Wyoming; and Tokyo, No. 1 in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Virginia, Washington state, and West Virginia.

Indiana, Missouri, New Jersey, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., all swung toward London, while Vancouver emerged as the top foreign market for Alaska, Connecticut, Michigan, and New Mexico.

Toronto was the most-booked international city in Minnesota, New York, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

Three states had top destinations not repeated by any other state – Arizona (Taipei), Arkansas (San Salvador), and Louisiana (Mexico City).

Delaware was not included in the breakdown, since United does not operate from any airport in the state.

Zach Vasile

American Unveils New 100th Anniversary Livery

The carrier's centennial logo will be used on other aircraft, across social media channels, and on merchandise.

Zach Vasile

Monday, January 05, 2026 at 04:00 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

American's new 100th anniversary livery. (Photo: American Airlines)

American on Monday offered a first look at another special aircraft livery designed to celebrate the carrier’s 100th anniversary.

The design, which will be painted onto a Boeing 737 later this month, features American’s official centennial logo – the numerals “100,” with the two zeroes resembling a silver infinity symbol. Smaller “infinity rings” will wrap the aft section of the aircraft.

A much smaller version of the “100” logo will be installed as a decal across American’s fleet of over 1,500 aircraft. It will also be used across the airline’s digital channels, including aa.com, social media channels, and inflight entertainment screens, and on merchandise.

“American is proud to be among the small group of airlines that have celebrated 100 years of flight,” American CEO Robert Isom said in a news release. “There’s no brand in aviation more iconic than American, built on a culture of innovation and forward-thinking. We’re poised to continue that legacy into the next 100 years for our customers and team members.”

The "100" decal on an aircraft — The “100” decal on an aircraft. (Credit: American Airlines)

The carrier last year rolled out its “Flagship” livery, also meant to commemorate its 100th anniversary. That scheme, installed on a 777-300ER, incorporates retro design elements, including a polished-metal look, an orange lightning-bolt stripe along the fuselage, and a heritage eagle roundel on the aft section. The aircraft also carries “Flagship DFW” titling, referencing American’s largest hub.

American dates its founding to April 1926.

Zach Vasile

JetBlue Adds Two New Routes, Expands Another

Flights will start in March and May.

Zach Vasile

Monday, January 05, 2026 at 12:10 PM ET

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Ryan Ewing

A JetBlue A321 aircraft. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

JetBlue is adding new year-round routes from its hub in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The carrier will link Fort Lauderdale with Orlando and Dallas/Fort Worth this spring. Daily service to Dallas will start March 12, while twice daily service to Orlando will commence May 21.

JetBlue will also add two additional daily flights on its existing route between Fort Lauderdale and New York-LaGuardia. Officials did not say when the change in scheduling will take place.

“These additions reflect the momentum we’ve built in Florida and our continued investment in Fort Lauderdale as a key gateway in our network,” Dave Jehn, vice president of network planning and airline partnerships at JetBlue, said in a news release. “By connecting our focus cities and expanding successful routes, we’re giving customers more reasons to choose JetBlue for travel within Florida and beyond.”

Last month, JetBlue said it was adding Dallas/Fort Worth as a temporary destination from Fort Lauderdale for this year’s spring break. Those flights will continue as scheduled, meaning JetBlue will temporarily offer two daily connections to Dallas from March 12 to 23.

The airline currently has 10 destinations in Florida, with an eleventh, Destin/Fort Walton Beach, coming online in March.

Zach Vasile

Caribbean Airspace Reopens After Venezuela Strike

Hundreds of flights were cancelled over the weekend.

Zach Vasile

Monday, January 05, 2026 at 10:15 AM ET

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Edited By:

Ryan Ewing

An American Boeing 777-200 in Miami. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)

The FAA officially reopened commercial airspace in the eastern Caribbean on Sunday, about 24 hours after U.S. military intervention in Venezuela forced the cancellation of hundreds of flights in the region.

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) issued early Saturday morning prohibiting commercial flying expired at midnight on Sunday, allowing airports in Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Aruba, Sint Maarten, and other islands to resume normal operations. Delays lingered into Sunday, but by Monday morning there were no significant travel disruptions at any major Caribbean airport, according to data from tracking website FlightAware.

Some airlines have added flights and expanded capacity to help stranded vacationers and other travelers return home.

American said Sunday that it will add approximately 7,000 seats on 43 extra flights and dispatch additional aircraft, including a Boeing 777-300, to the region. On Monday, the airline will operate round-trip flights between seven Caribbean destinations – the British Virgin Islands, Anguilla, Barbados, Bonaire, Dominica, Grenada, and St. Kitts and Nevis – and Miami.

American will also offer temporary interisland service linking the British Virgin Islands and Anguilla with San Juan.

Delta plans to add over 2,600 seats on extra flights to and from the Caribbean on Monday.

“Delta teams are working to ensure all affected customers are reaccommodated by Tuesday, Jan. 6,” the carrier said in a statement. “Some delays in Caribbean markets could occur Monday due to increased airline capacity, however Delta’s teams are coordinating to support customers with tight hub connections.”

The airline recommends passengers with confirmed tickets arrive at affected airports about three hours early to allow for additional traffic.

After months of mounting tensions, the U.S. military on Saturday bombed numerous sites across Venezuela, mainly telecommunications and military facilities, and captured the country’s president, Nicolas Maduro, and his wife. The two were detained at the presidential palace in Caracas and flown to New York, where they remain in custody.

The U.S. Justice Department said Maduro and his wife face several criminal charges, including drug trafficking and “narcoterrorism.”

Mass cancellations followed through Saturday, affecting the tail end of the busy holiday travel season. Some stranded passengers told news outlets that they were not able to book replacement flights until later this week.

Zach Vasile