Discover Punta Cana from Wilmington: Avelo Airlines Launches Nonstop International Flights

Published on December 25, 2025

Avelo Airlines inaugurated its first international route and capabilities, operating nonstop flights from Wilmington International Airport (ILM) to Punta Cana (PUJ) in the Dominican Republic. This marked the beginning of direct international flights from ILM, underscoring Avelo’s commitment to affordable and convenient air travel to the Wilmington community. Avelo also celebrated the commencement of ILM’s international service, with its subsequent expansion of offerings to other countries in the Caribbean and beyond.

Beginning February 15, 2023, Avelo launched its new service to operate Wednesdays and Saturdays, on a Boeing 737-700, with a seating capacity of 148 passengers, 141 in the main cabin economy, and 7 in first class with complimentary meal service. A nonstop route from Wilmington to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, is the only and first direct link to this Caribbean hotspot. This service is a top inbound and outbound travel opportunity in central North Carolina.

A Milestone for Wilmington International Airport

Avelo Airlines’ inaugural Punta Cana flight actively demonstrates how Avelo Airlines and Wilmington International Airport are continuing to expand internationally. Wilmington International Airport (aka ILM) has mostly been a domestic airport in the past. Avelo’s flights opened a larger domestic flight network for ILM. Additionally, Avelo’s flights are expected to add flights to a burgeoning tourist market, benefiting the Wilmington regional hub. We expect to see increased ILM flights as Wilmington grows.

As ILM started their international flights, they honored Avelo’s services with a Dominican flag, festive snacks, and a water salute. Welcoming Avelo Airlines passengers to Punta Cana, they provided a traditional salute with water cannons. Avelo has high expectations to add plenty of international flights, and their ILM passengers are core to their plans.

Avelo Airlines Expanding Airport Operations in Wilmington

Avelo Airlines has started to solidify its presence at the airport in Wilmington, where it first began offering services in 2022. The airline has already made Wilmington one of its key operational hubs, forecasting the deployment of two Boeing 737’s to be stationed at the airport by the summer of 2025. This decision illustrates a deep commitment to the region as the airline begins to broaden its route offerings to additional locations. Wilmington, as of now, has 15 nonstop flight offerings to additional major markets such as Boston, Detroit, Nashville, and multiple locations in Florida, including Punta Cana.

Avelo Airlines expanding their Wilmington, DE operation improves accessibility for residents and travelers and increases tourism for the region. Travelers have additional options for international travel now that the Dominican Republic has been added as a direct flight offering, as well as more options for domestic travel.

Avelo’s Commitment to Affordable and Reliable Service

Avelo Airlines is one of the most affordable and reliable Airlines, and one of the most praised for customer service and satisfaction. At the beginning of 2024, being awarded the *Best Airline * title for having the best punctual flying record in the industry, as well as the lowest flight cancellation rate of any domestic airline in the United States. This is just one of the many qualifications that set Avelo as one of the best in the industry.

One of the major reasons behind the airline’s decision to fly internationally from Wilmington is to continue the goal of providing underserved communities with affordable and reliable travel and flight options. Avelo is dedicated to expanding services while ensuring costs remain low, with the new, affordable flight route to Punta Cana. Avelo Airlines is living their tagline of providing Easy, Everyday travel.

Avelo Airlines is bringing more travel for Wilmington passengers

Avelo Airlines is bringing international service to Wilmington area residents, with Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, being one of the international service offerings. Punta Cana is a tourism-dominant area of the Dominican Republic and is known for its stunning coasts, inclusive and luxurious resorts, and a rich culture. Travelers residing within Wilmington are and are boarded in this non-stop service with greater ease than expensive layover flights with other airlines through major international airports.

With this trip, passengers can travel to the Dominican Republic and economically access Punta Cana. These direct flights are beneficial for travel within the Dominican Republic and for tourists traveling to and from Wilmington. This service also enhances the role of the Wilmington International Airport to serve the needs of the following passengers and travel within its growing Dominican Republic travel network.

Avelo’s Continued Expansion and Growth

Avelo Airlines started in 2021 and has had tremendous growth, operating in more than 40 destinations around the US, and in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Avelo is expected to continue opening flight paths and adding more overseas destinations to its network.

Avelo has added a new membership feature called Avelo PLUS, which provides members with several exclusive advantages, like lower fares, premium boarding, and other member-only offers. When combined with other customer flexible travel options and added perks with other seating options, the airline is a good fit for travelers who are cost-sensitive and want to travel in comfort.

Conclusion: A Whole New Kind of Travel for Wilmington

Traveling to Punta Cana for the first time will open a new chapter for Avelo Airlines to operate nonstop flights for travelers in Wilmington. With now offering of international flights to the Dominican Republic and other Caribbean destinations, Avelo Airlines will likely bring a lot of travel to Wilmington. Avelo has been a pioneering, reliable air travel carrier, and their continued expansion will help Wilmington travel grow for the better, as well as the other cities they’ll travel to.

With this new route, Avelo Airlines and the City of Wilmington have started a travel partnership for the entire community to utilize. Residents and visitors of Wilmington will now easily have direct flights to Caribbean vacations. Avelo will bring Wilmington and the travel community Caribbean vacations, family trips, and business travel easier to carousel to travel to and from Caribbean vacations. The opportunities for Wilmington to easily travel to Caribbean vacations have increased significantly.