| INDIANAPOLIS (June 18, 2026) — The Indianapolis International Airport (IND) and Avelo Airlines celebrated two inaugural nonstop flights today — with a gate party for passengers, an official ribbon cutting and a water-cannon salute on the airfield. Avelo, Indy’s newest airline, welcomed its inaugural nonstop flight into the city from Concord, N.C. (USA), and shortly after celebrated the launch of the new nonstop flight to New Haven, Conn. (HVN).
“Today we said hello to Avelo with full ceremony — pulling out all of the stops to show off how a world-class customer experience is the secret sauce at IND,” said Marsha Wurster, Indianapolis Airport Authority senior director of commercial enterprise. “This is the kind of day we work for.”
The arriving Concord flight provides convenient access to the nearby Charlotte metro area, including the region’s motorsports hubs and NASCAR team headquarters, as well as the life-science/biopharma industry. New Haven, home to Yale University and Connecticut’s second-largest city, serves as a gateway to the New York metro region and offers travelers a coastal destination known for its restaurants, theatres, museums, and shopping.
The IAA has been working since 2021 to bring Avelo to Indianapolis.
“There’s a healthy appetite for both routes,” said Maggie Cunningham, IAA director of air service and airport experience. “The Charlotte metro area draws approximately 198 daily travelers from IND, while the Hartford/New Haven region — which also captures New York City and Long Island traffic — sees roughly 950 daily travelers from Indy. Together, the routes connect Hoosiers to two of the East Coast’s most heavily traveled regions without the congestion of major hub airports.”
Today, Avelo officially became the Indy airport’s 11th passenger airline and fourth ultra-low-cost carrier, expanding affordable flight options for business and leisure travelers throughout Central Indiana.
“Indianapolis — say hello to Avelo,” said Avelo Airlines Founder and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Levy. “We’re proud to launch service in Central Indiana and introduce our affordable fares, convenient travel experience, and industry-leading reliability to the region. With new nonstop flights to New Haven, Conn., and Charlotte/Concord, N.C., we’re expanding travel options for Indy-area travelers and making it easier and more affordable than ever to visit these two great destinations.”
Avelo launched in 2021 as the first new U.S. mainline carrier in nearly 15 years. In 2024, the airline ranked No. 1 in on-time performance and recorded the lowest cancellation rate in the country. Its model of serving secondary airports near major cities aligns with IND’s focus on convenience, affordability, and traveler-friendly service.
With Avelo now in service, the Indy airport’s nonstop flight count grows to 57 — the highest total in the airport’s history — continuing IND’s expansion of legacy, low-cost, and ultra-low-cost carrier options for travelers across the region.
Indy travelers can book flights to Concord and New Haven at www.aveloair.com. |
