LAKELAND, FL — February 11, 2026 — Avelo Airlines has launched new passenger service from Lakeland International Airport (LAL), adding seasonal nonstop flights to Detroit (DTW) and restoring nonstop service to Atlanta (ATL).
The additions respond to strong community feedback and demonstrate a commitment to serving Central Florida travelers.
Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy stated: “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 for the start of 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. Our partnership with the City of Lakeland and Lakeland International Airport continues to strengthen, and we are proud to listen, respond, and grow together.”
To mark the inaugural flight, PAWS from the Detroit Tigers and Visit Central Florida greeted travelers with spring training gift bags. Avelo provided commemorative postcards and fanfare for departing customers in Detroit and arriving customers in Central Florida.
Avelo operates these routes using Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft. The flights expand the airline’s affordable, convenient, and reliable service, which began at Lakeland in June 2024. Travelers can book flights at AveloAir.com.
Flight Details:
- Detroit (DTW) via Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Begins February 11, 2026, with twice-weekly seasonal service on Wednesdays and Saturdays. - Atlanta (ATL) via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Begins February 12, 2026, with four flights per week on select Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Avelo Airlines, which began operations on April 28, 2021, has carried more than 8.8 million customers on over 70,000 flights. The airline serves 32 destinations across 12 states and Puerto Rico, focusing on underserved communities and smaller, convenient airports for a smoother travel experience.
In 2025, Avelo ranked in the top three for on-time performance and flight cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry, according to data from Anuvu, a leading aviation data services company used by The Wall Street Journal for its annual airline rankings.
Avelo describes itself as America’s Most Reliable and Convenient Airline.
SOURCE: AVELO AIRLINES
