Avelo Opens Wilmington’s First International Route With New Punta Cana Nonstop
Avelo Airlines has launched international service from Wilmington International Airport (ILM) for the first time, inaugurating nonstop flights to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ). The new route is also ILM’s first scheduled international service, and Avelo says it is the only airline offering nonstop flights between Wilmington and Punta Cana.
Twice-Weekly Boeing 737 Flights
Avelo will operate the ILM–PUJ route twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays, using Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. The airline introduced service in Wilmington in June 2022 and says this is the latest expansion of its network from Coastal North Carolina.
Avelo Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said the route is a milestone for both the carrier and the region, adding that the airline’s goal is to “Inspire Travel” by expanding choices and keeping fares affordable.
Inaugural Celebrations In Wilmington And Punta Cana
To mark the first flight, Avelo and ILM hosted a sendoff celebration at the airport, including a Dominican Republic flag-themed event and treats for travelers. In Punta Cana, arriving passengers were scheduled to receive a water-cannon salute and a festive welcome on arrival.
ILM Airport Director Jeff Bourk credited the airport’s partners—particularly U.S. Customs and Border Protection—for helping prepare the facility to handle scheduled international operations.
Avelo’s Growing Footprint At ILM
Avelo established Wilmington (ILM) as a base of operations and crewmember base on April 3, 2025, and currently has two Boeing 737 aircraft based there. The airline says that growth has supported job creation across roles including pilots, flight attendants, ground services, and customer support.
Since launching at ILM in 2022, Avelo reports it has flown more than 580,000 customers on nearly 5,000 flights from Wilmington.
15 Nonstop Destinations From Wilmington
With Punta Cana now added, Avelo says it serves 15 nonstop destinations from ILM, spanning multiple Northeast and Midwest cities plus six Florida markets. The airline positions Wilmington as a key station in its strategy of serving smaller or underserved airports with nonstop routes.
Bottom Line
Avelo’s new Wilmington–Punta Cana flights mark a notable step for both the carrier and ILM, delivering the airport’s first international scheduled route and giving travelers in Coastal North Carolina a new nonstop option to the Dominican Republic—served twice weekly on Boeing 737 aircraft.
