Avelo Airlines on Tuesday announced it is adding its first Caribbean destination out of Tweed-New Haven Airport, to Puerto Rico.
The addition of San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport brings Tweed’s total nonstop destinations to 18.
State and local dignitaries gathered at Tweed Tuesday morning for a Puerto Rican-themed announcement and celebration, featuring Puerto Rican food and entertainment.
Avelo Airlines Chairman and CEO Andrew Levy said the new destination is expected to appeal not only to vacation travelers, but also Connecticut’s Puerto Rican population, making it easier to reconnect with friends and family.
“We expect the affordability and convenience of this new route will inspire a meaningful number of travelers to visit Connecticut from Puerto Rico,” Levy said.
Avelo will operate the new Puerto Rico-Tweed round trip route twice weekly, on Wednesdays and Saturdays, on a Boeing Next-Generation (NG) 737 aircraft, beginning on Nov. 15.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said there has long been a rich cultural link between New Haven and the island.
“There will now be a direct, affordable, and accessible travel link for thousands of our residents,” Elicker added.
The airline is offering introductory one-way fares between Tweed and Puerto Rico starting at $99 for travel booked by Aug. 5 and completed by Feb. 14, 2024.
The news comes after Spirit Airlines in June ended its service from Bradley International Airport to Jamaica due to low demand, but launched a nonstop route to Puerto Rico.