City News Blog: Avelo Airlines Announces Return of Atlanta Service, Detroit Flights for Spring Training and a Second Based Aircraft from Lakeland International Airport

City News Blog: Avelo Airlines Announces Return of Atlanta Service, Detroit Flights for Spring Training and a Second Based Aircraft from Lakeland International Airport

LAKELAND, FL (November 12, 2025) | After 18 months of successful passenger service from Lakeland International Airport (LAL), Avelo Airlines today announced the return of nonstop flights to Atlanta (ATL), spring service to Detroit (DTW) and a second aircraft to the airline's Central Florida base. These decisions are driven by strong community feedback and a shared commitment to serving Central Florida travelers.

Affordable one-way fares start at $34*. Avelo will operate these routes utilizing Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. These exclusive routes expand Avelo's affordable, convenient and industry-leading reliable air service introduced when the airline took flight in Lakeland in June 2024. Flight dates and information are below. Travelers can book at AveloAir.com.

From Central Florida's Lakeland International Airport (LAL):

Avelo will serve 10 nonstop destinations from LAL base.

Detroit via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

• Begins February 11, 2026, with twice-weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays

Atlanta via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

• Begins February 13, 2026, with five flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays

The expanded frequency of Avelo's ATL service is designed to meet the needs of local passengers, ensuring flexibility and convenience for those traveling between Lakeland, Atlanta and points beyond.

Listening to the Community, Building for the Future

Airport Director Kris Hallstrand said,

"Avelo continues to listen to our community and respond with opportunities that matter. The return of Atlanta service with added frequency is exactly what our business and leisure travelers have been asking for, and new nonstop flights to Detroit highlight Avelo's continued investment in Lakeland. From spring training visitors to local families, these routes strengthen connections and build on 18 months of tremendous growth. The addition of a second aircraft at LAL is a clear sign of confidence in this community and in our partnership."

A Strong and Growing Network

Since launching service from LAL in 2024, Avelo has built an impressive record of reliability, customer satisfaction, and growth. Lakeland has quickly become a key base for Avelo's Central Florida operations, and the addition of a second based Avelo aircraft affirms it. With the addition of Atlanta and the seasonal service to Detroit, Avelo will serve 10 destinations from Lakeland.

Avelo Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said,

"We are excited to bring Atlanta back to Lakeland's lineup of destinations - this time with more flexibility, more frequency, and even greater opportunity for travelers on both ends of the route. We're also eager to announce nonstop service to Detroit, combining baseball's spring training season and a vacation to Lakeland for Motor City travelers, as well as a way to connect with friends and family for Polk County travelers. Lakeland has proven to be one of our most enthusiastic and supportive communities; in adding these routes we're also adding a second aircraft to our Central Florida base, this helps us grow our network and add more frequencies at LAL. Our partnership with the City of Lakeland and Lakeland Linder International Airport continues to strengthen, and we are proud to listen, respond, and grow together."

Connecting Central Florida and Atlanta

Mark Jackson, Director of Visit Central Florida, added,

"This service is a win for everyone. For Atlantans, it opens an easy, affordable gateway to experience Polk County's lakes, central location and world class attractions like Legoland Florida. For Detroit travelers, it offers a nonstop route to America's longest spring training home, as the Detroit Tigers have trained in Lakeland since 1934. We're thrilled to welcome Tigers fans to Central Florida and to see Avelo continue investing in this community and growing the success story that began right here in Lakeland."

About Lakeland Linder International Airport

Lakeland Linder International Airport is one of Florida's most dynamic airports, supporting more than 143,000 annual aircraft operations and generating over $1.5 billion in economic impact each year. LAL is home to the NOAA Hurricane Hunters, Draken International, the Central Florida Aerospace Academy, and the world-famous SUN 'n FUN Aerospace Expo.

About Avelo Airlines

Avelo Airlines' purpose is to Inspire Travel by saving travelers time and money. The airline offers Customers safe, convenient travel, everyday low fares, and a caring travel experience. Avelo stands out as the leading U.S. airline in on-time performance and reliability. The airline currently operates a fleet of 22 Boeing Next Generation 737 aircraft and in 2027, will become the first U.S. airline to fly Embraer 195-E2s, with an order of up to 100 new aircraft. Today Avelo serves over 40 popular destinations across the United States, Jamaica, Mexico and the Dominican Republic, including its six bases at Southern Connecticut's Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN), the Philadelphia / Delaware Valley region's Wilmington Airport (ILG), Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU), Central Florida's Lakeland International Airport (LAL), Charlotte's Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) and Coastal North Carolina's Wilmington International Airport (ILM). For more information visit AveloAir.com.

*One-way fares include government taxes and fees. Fares start at $34 for travel between LAL and ATL for travel between March 13 and March 30, 2026. Fares must be booked by November 19, 2025. These routes are subject to foreign government approval. Fares are available on a limited number of flights and seats. Additional fees for carry-on and checked bags, assigned seats and other optional services may apply. A $25 charge per seated traveler applies to all bookings or changes made through Avelo's Customer Support Center. For full terms and conditions, please see Avelo's Contract of Carriage.

Contacts

Jamin Smith
Digital Content Creator

City of [email protected]

About Lakeland

The City of Lakeland was incorporated in January 1885 and has grown to become one of the largest inland communities in Florida. With a current population fast approaching 130,000 Lakeland continues to grow. It has been designated a Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area by the US Census Bureau for over 30 years. With tourist attractions and gulf beaches only an hour away, Lakeland continues to capitalize on its ideal central Florida location along the I-4 corridor. The City owns and operates Lakeland Electric, the third largest publicly owned utility in Florida and it was one of the first to offer power in the Sunshine State in 1889.

For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please visit https://www.lakelandgov.net. Citizens are also invited to follow the City on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Vimeo, Snapchat and Nextdoor. Citizens can find the City of Lakeland on these social media platforms by searching lakelandgov.

For additional information about the City of Lakeland, please explore LakelandGov.net.
Citizens are also invited to follow the City on social media.

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