NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — Avelo Airlines announced Tuesday that it will begin offering non-stop flights to Fort Lauderdale and Orlando from the Newport News-Williamsburg Airport (PHF) in October.
Service to Orlando will start at 11:45 a.m. on October 19, and service to Fort Lauderdale will start at 9 a.m. on October 20, according to a statement by Avelo Airlines.
Prices to fly to Orlando on the airline will start at $29, and customers can make reservations at AveloAir.com.
Avelo Airlines head of marketing, Travis Christ, said this is the only non-stop service to Florida on the peninsula.
"We’re super excited to be at Newport News," Christ said. "We’ve had our eyes on this city for quite a while. It fits the model that has been very successful for Avelo: to find airports that have been underserved, either the fares are high or they don’t have many flights, and oftentimes the people have to go for long drives.”
This is another option for travelers in Hampton Roads, according to the airport’s executive director Mike Giardino.
“Choice is what it’s all about,” he said. “We have such high demand on the Peninsula for air service. We know people drive, and that’s OK, but we’re here to bring service to the Peninsula where it belongs.”
Newport News Mayor McKinley Price noted that there is a lot of competition in the area between airports in Norfolk, Richmond, and D.C. He said this new service makes it easier for people on the peninsula to catch a flight.
“Because when you think of trying to leave from here going to Norfolk, you never know what’s going to happen in the tunnel," he said. "My sister, it took her six hours to get to DC this weekend, you just never know with the traffic.”
Price said the flights would be affordable and convenient for Hampton Roads locals.
“We are thrilled that Avelo Airlines is adding Newport News to the list of destinations they serve," Price said. "We also look forward to welcoming tourists to our great city and helping them discover new and unique Newport News experiences,” Price said.
Avelo said that Orlando is the theme park capital of the world, and Fort Lauderdale boasts sunny weather and plentiful beaches.
According to visitwilliamsburg.com, the airport is currently served by American Airlines and flies to over 150 destinations.