The Tribune

A US low-cost airline is making The Bahamas its fourth international destination with the launch of non-stop service between Nassau and Raleigh-Durham on 11 June.

Avelo Airlines, in a statement, said it will fly twice weekly between Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) and the North Carolina destination on Wednesday and Saturday.

“We are excited to welcome this new service from Avelo Airlines,” said Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation. “As a tourism and aviation destination leader, this service further affirms The Bahamas government’s commitment to working closely with airline partners and industry stakeholders to aggressively grow air stopover arrivals throughout the islands of The Bahamas.”

Latia Duncombe, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general, added: “Expanding airlift remains a top priority for The Bahamas, and this new route strengthens our access from North Carolina - an important market for our destination.

“Avelo Airlines offers new non-stop service, making it even easier for travellers from Raleigh-Durham to experience our vibrant culture, world-class hospitality and breathtaking islands. We look forward to welcoming more visitors and creating unforgettable Bahamian experiences.”

Avelo Airlines, headquartered in Houston, Texas, began servicing Raleigh-Durham in 2022 with expansion into the Caribbean taking place in February 2024. For the past two years, travelers in the Raleigh-Durhanm area have relied on Bahamasair’s non-stop service to Freeport, which then continued to Nassau, playing a key role in strengthening travel demand from the region.

Avelo’s new Nassau route builds on that foundation, offering even greater access to The Bahamas. Since its inception in April 2021, Avelo has flown more than 6.3m customers on nearly 50,000 flights.