Alaska Airlines Launches New Routes From Burbank To Fill Avelo Void

Written By: Dilpreet Kaur

Dilpreet Kaur

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August 1, 2025 1:26 AM

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As Avelo Airlines prepares to exit Burbank Airport in December 2025, Alaska Airlines has seized the opportunity to fill the void with new direct routes to Eugene, Redmond/Bend, and Pasco. The announcement, made on July 29, 2025, will see Alaska Airlines begin operating these new flights starting October 26, 2025, using Embraer E175 planes. This move comes as Alaska Airlines looks to strengthen its presence at Burbank and expand its network of regional flights to the Northwest.

Alaska Airlines Takes Over Avelo’s Market Share

The regional expansion by Alaska Airlines is directly tied to Avelo Airlines’ decision to pull out of Burbank on December 2, 2025. Avelo, which currently operates routes from Burbank to Eugene, Redmond/Bend, and Pasco, has been a major player in the budget travel segment. However, with its exit, there is an opportunity for other airlines like Alaska Airlines and Breeze Airways to take over this market share.

Alaska Airlines has acted swiftly to capture this demand. The airline, which already serves Burbank with flights to five destinations, is expanding its operations with these new routes to fill the gap left by Avelo. By offering direct flights to these Northwest cities, Alaska is positioning itself as a key player in the regional travel market for California-based travelers.

Breeze Airways Enters Burbank But Faces Delay

While Alaska Airlines moves quickly to dominate the market left by Avelo’s exit, Breeze Airways has also announced plans to enter Burbank Airport, albeit several months later. Breeze Airways, which is also targeting these routes, has plans to operate flights to Eugene, Pasco, Bend, Eureka, Calif., and Provo, Utah, starting in March 2026. This puts Alaska Airlines ahead in the race to fill the void with its new services, which will begin in October 2025.

Unlike Breeze, Alaska Airlines already has established operations at Burbank, with its ongoing presence giving it a competitive edge. Travelers flying from Burbank will now have the option of choosing between two established carriers, but Alaska’s earlier entry into the market and established infrastructure could make it the preferred choice for travelers seeking convenient and efficient service to the Northwest.

The Impact on California’s Travel Market

The launch of these new routes by Alaska Airlines comes at a time when California is seeing increased travel demand. As Burbank remains a popular gateway to Southern California, the airline’s expansion allows travelers to easily access destinations like Eugene, Redmond/Bend, and Pasco, which are key regional hubs for both leisure and business travel.

With Alaska Airlines already flying to several other destinations from Burbank, the addition of these new Northwest routes strengthens its role in the California-Northwest market. For tourists and business travelers from California, these new routes offer greater accessibility to key destinations in the Pacific Northwest.

Moreover, the increased competition from Alaska Airlines, Breeze Airways, and Avelo in the Burbank market could lead to more affordable travel options for consumers, as airlines vie for customer loyalty with better pricing and service offerings.

Alaska’s Broader Expansion in the U.S.

In addition to these new routes from Burbank, Alaska Airlines has unveiled several other routes in its 2025 expansion plan. Among them are daily flights between Ontario, Calif. and Boise, Idaho, and Orange County, Calif. and Spokane, Wash. These routes, set to begin in January 2026, will further enhance Alaska’s presence in the Western U.S. and strengthen its connection between California and the Northwest.

Another notable seasonal addition is the route between Santa Rosa, California, and Palm Springs, which will operate five times a week starting in October 2025. Alaska Airlines will also provide a seasonal service to Sun Valley, Idaho, catering to skiers and winter sports enthusiasts starting in December 2025.

These efforts highlight Alaska Airlines’ commitment to expanding its route network, particularly in regions that have seen an uptick in domestic travel. The California-Northwest corridor is vital for both tourism and business, and Alaska Airlines’ expanded services aim to meet the growing demand.

The Future of Regional Air Travel

As the airline industry continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, regional carriers like Alaska Airlines are playing a crucial role in reshaping domestic travel. By focusing on regional connectivity and offering direct flights to underserved destinations, airlines are making it easier for travelers to access key areas for both work and leisure.

For California travelers, Alaska Airlines’ expansion into Burbank and its continued growth in California-based routes signals a bright future for regional air travel. As airlines increase their capacity and improve services, passengers can look forward to more options, better customer experiences, and more affordable travel opportunities.

Conclusion: A Competitive Shift in Burbank’s Air Travel Market

With Avelo Airlines’ exit from Burbank and the simultaneous entry of Alaska Airlines and Breeze Airways, the Burbank air travel market is undergoing an interesting and competitive shift. Alaska Airlines, with its existing infrastructure and earlier entry, is well-positioned to dominate the new routes to Eugene, Pasco, and Redmond/Bend. As competition increases and new routes launch, travelers in California will benefit from more choices, better services, and competitive pricing. The growth of regional routes reflects the ongoing recovery of the U.S. airline industry, benefiting both consumers and tourism in the process.