North Carolina Aligns With Orlando, Fort Myers and Tampa as Avelo Airlines Expands Florida Network From Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, Boosting Sunshine State Tourism Access: Could Leisure Travel Demand Reach New Heights?

Written By: Abhirup Gan

Abhirup Gan

I'm Abhirup Gan, a Mass Communication graduate and digital marketing professional. Driven by a passion for storytelling, I create insightful, research-led content that explores tourism trends, destination stories, and hospitality developments with depth and clarity. Through my writing, I hope to inspire readers to discover not only where to travel, but the stories, cultures, and experiences that make every journey meaningful.

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June 27, 2026 2:27 PM

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Concord, Orlando, Fort Myers and Tampa are strengthening their tourism and aviation connections as Avelo Airlines prepares to launch three new Florida routes from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in North Carolina. The expansion will significantly increase travel options for residents across the Charlotte metropolitan region while improving direct access to some of Florida’s most popular leisure destinations.

Beginning in November, Avelo will introduce nonstop services to Orlando, Fort Myers and Tampa, further expanding its presence at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport. Once the new routes commence, the airline will serve 11 destinations from the airport, reinforcing Concord’s growing role in regional leisure travel.

For holidaymakers seeking theme parks, beaches, coastal attractions and warm-weather escapes, the new routes create additional opportunities to travel directly from North Carolina without relying on larger hub airports.

Avelo Airlines Continues Expanding Its Regional Network

Avelo Airlines has steadily built its network around underserved routes and convenient access from secondary airports.

The carrier’s strategy focuses on connecting travellers with popular leisure destinations while offering alternatives to congested major airports.

The latest Florida expansion reflects that approach. By adding Orlando, Fort Myers and Tampa to its Concord network, Avelo is increasing travel options for passengers across North Carolina and the wider Charlotte area.

The move also highlights the continued strength of Florida as one of the most important domestic tourism markets in the United States.

Orlando Remains a Leading Tourism Powerhouse

The first of the three new routes will connect Concord with Orlando International Airport.

The service begins on 18 November and will operate four times weekly.

Orlando remains one of the most visited destinations in the United States, attracting millions of travellers annually through its world-famous theme parks, entertainment complexes and family-friendly attractions.

Visitors travelling from North Carolina will gain direct access to destinations such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort and numerous water parks, shopping districts and entertainment venues.

The route is expected to appeal to families, holidaymakers and short-break travellers seeking convenient access to Central Florida.

Fort Myers Strengthens Southwest Florida Connectivity

Avelo will begin flights between Concord and Fort Myers on 19 November, operating the route twice weekly.

Fort Myers serves as a gateway to Southwest Florida, one of the country’s most popular coastal tourism regions.

The destination attracts visitors through its beaches, waterfront communities, outdoor recreation opportunities and access to nearby islands.

Travellers arriving through Southwest Florida International Airport can explore attractions including Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island and the Gulf Coast’s renowned nature reserves.

For North Carolina residents looking for sunshine during the winter months, the route provides a direct option to one of Florida’s most established holiday destinations.

Tampa Adds Another Florida Gateway

The airline’s third new route will connect Concord and Tampa beginning on 20 November.

Operating twice weekly, the service expands access to Florida’s Gulf Coast and provides travellers with another major tourism destination.

Tampa combines urban attractions with waterfront experiences, cultural venues and easy access to beaches throughout the surrounding region.

Visitors can explore the historic Ybor City district, Tampa Riverwalk, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and a wide variety of sporting, dining and entertainment experiences.

The destination also serves as a gateway to nearby tourism hotspots including Clearwater Beach and St. Petersburg.

Concord-Padgett Regional Airport Continues Growing

The addition of three Florida routes represents a significant milestone for Concord-Padgett Regional Airport.

Located near Charlotte, the airport has increasingly positioned itself as a convenient alternative for travellers seeking direct leisure-focused services.

Regional airports across the United States have experienced growing interest as airlines expand point-to-point networks and offer passengers easier access to destinations without requiring connections through larger hubs.

With Avelo serving 11 destinations once the new routes begin, Concord’s profile within the regional aviation landscape continues to grow.

The expanded network provides local residents with more travel choices while supporting passenger growth at the airport.

Florida Continues Dominating Domestic Leisure Travel

Florida remains one of the strongest tourism markets in North America.

The state’s combination of beaches, attractions, warm weather and extensive tourism infrastructure consistently attracts visitors from across the United States.

Orlando, Tampa and Fort Myers each offer distinct tourism experiences while collectively representing some of Florida’s most popular travel markets.

By launching services to all three destinations, Avelo is positioning itself to capture demand across multiple leisure travel segments.

The routes provide options for family holidays, beach getaways, city breaks and seasonal escapes.

Tourism and Aviation Growth Work Together

Air connectivity remains one of the most important drivers of tourism development.

Direct routes help destinations attract visitors by reducing travel times and increasing convenience.

For Florida destinations, additional flights support hotels, attractions, restaurants, transportation providers and tourism-related businesses.

For North Carolina travellers, nonstop services create easier access to some of the country’s most visited leisure markets.

The expansion also demonstrates how airlines continue adapting their networks to meet demand for domestic holiday travel.

New Routes Reflect Strong Leisure Travel Demand

The timing of the route launches aligns with the start of the winter travel season, when many travellers seek warmer destinations.

Florida traditionally experiences increased visitor demand during late autumn, winter and spring as travellers from northern states head south.

By launching Orlando, Fort Myers and Tampa services in November, Avelo is positioning its network to benefit from this seasonal demand.

The expanded schedule strengthens connectivity between North Carolina and Florida while providing travellers with more direct travel options.

Key Statistics

• Orlando service begins on 18 November and operates four times weekly.
• Fort Myers service begins on 19 November and operates twice weekly.
• Tampa service begins on 20 November and operates twice weekly.
• Avelo will serve 11 destinations from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport once the routes launch.
• Three Florida destinations are being added to the network.

Chronological Tracker

• Avelo expands operations at Concord-Padgett Regional Airport.
• Orlando route scheduled to begin on 18 November.
• Fort Myers route scheduled to begin on 19 November.
• Tampa route scheduled to begin on 20 November.
• Network grows to 11 destinations from Concord.

FAQ

Which Florida destinations is Avelo adding from Concord?

The airline is launching nonstop flights to Orlando, Fort Myers and Tampa.

How often will the routes operate?

Orlando will operate four times weekly, while Fort Myers and Tampa will each operate twice weekly.

How many destinations will Avelo serve from Concord?

Once the new routes begin, Avelo will serve 11 destinations from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport.

Dates

• Orlando launch: 18 November.
• Fort Myers launch: 19 November.
• Tampa launch: 20 November.
• Avelo network expands to 11 destinations following the rollout.

Conclusion

Concord, Orlando, Fort Myers and Tampa are becoming more closely connected through Avelo Airlines’ latest network expansion. The addition of three Florida routes strengthens tourism links between North Carolina and the Sunshine State, provides travellers with greater convenience and supports growing demand for leisure travel. As Concord-Padgett Regional Airport continues expanding its destination portfolio, the new services reinforce the importance of regional airports in connecting travellers with some of America’s most popular holiday destinations.