Avelo Airlines announces first route out of Lakeland Linder International Airport starting in June

Kevin Accettulla
·2 min read

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Avelo Airlines on Wednesday announced its first route out of Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL), which will begin in June.

Passengers will be able to fly from LAL to Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut starting June 13, according to the airline. Introductory fares start at $72 one-way.

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The flight will be available on Thursdays and Sundays on a Boeing 737, according to the airline.

Avelo is the first airline to offer passenger service out of LAL in more than 10 years.

“Getting to Southern Connecticut — the gateway to New England and New York — is now easier than ever,” Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said in a statement. “This exclusive nonstop service will also make exploring Central Florida — and all Lakeland has to offer — a fast and seamless journey for Connecticut visitors.”

Many travelers in Polk County have to either travel to Tampa International Airport or Orlando International Airport to catch a flight. Lakeland City leaders told 8 On Your Side that 2,200 people in Polk County travel to and from other airports daily.

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As the fastest-growing county in the nation, the number of people who have to make a long commute for a flight is likely to soar.

“This service from Lakeland opens up a world of increasing possibilities for our regional citizens,” Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz said in a statement. “We anticipate a thriving partnership with Avelo Airlines, providing many adventures ahead.”

“The advantage to coming to the Lakeland International Airport will be convenience. All of us know the unpredictability of the I-4 corridor, so being able to know you can come here, you can get to your flight relatively quickly, your family can even drop you off, that will be a huge win for a lot of consumers,” said Katie Worthington Decker with the Economic Council.

Tickets can be purchased on the Avelo Airlines website.

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