Published December 25, 2025
Wilmington, North Carolina, just celebrated a major aviation milestone with the launch of Avero’s international service to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. This significant accomplishment opens up a whole new world of travel options for Wilmington residents and visitors from surrounding areas. The new route not only connects Wilmington to the Caribbean, but also reflects the city’s growing importance as a travel hub for the region.
A transformative moment for Wilmington’s travel scene
Known for its beautiful coastal scenery and vibrant culture, Wilmington, North Carolina has long been a popular destination for vacationers. Now, with direct flights to Punta Cana from Avero Airlines, the city has further solidified its position as an attractive gateway for international travel. This is Wilmington International Airport’s first international flight route and is a major development that is sure to change the face of local tourism and travel.
Known for its affordable and convenient flight options, Avero Airlines is a strong addition to Wilmington’s travel landscape. By adding Punta Cana to its growing list of destinations, the company offers Wilmington residents and visitors a cost-effective way to directly explore one of the Caribbean’s most popular vacation spots. The route will utilize Avero’s next-generation Boeing 737 aircraft and will operate twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays, providing passengers with a reliable and comfortable flying experience.
Key highlights of Avero’s new service to Punta Cana:
First International Flight: This is the first international flight service from Wilmington International Airport and is a significant milestone for the city. Direct Flights: Avero offers nonstop flights between Wilmington and Punta Cana twice a week, making travel convenient and without connecting flights. Affordable and Convenient: Known for offering affordable fares and a hassle-free travel experience, Avero offers competitive pricing on this coveted route. Celebrating a new beginning: Avero’s launch event at Wilmington International Airport marked the beginning of a new era for the airport with a celebration of the Dominican flag and sweet treats for passengers.
Wilmington’s growing appeal as a travel base
Wilmington has long been a popular destination for those looking to explore North Carolina’s beautiful beaches, historic sites, and charming downtown. With the launch of international flights, the city is expected to attract even more tourists and become a key player in the regional travel market. The expansion of Wilmington’s air service is also a testament to the city’s growth and growing recognition as an important gateway to the East Coast.
Expanded flight options: Avero has significantly expanded its route offerings at Wilmington International Airport, now serving 15 nonstop destinations including major cities such as Boston, New York, Washington, DC, and Fort Lauderdale. Attracting Tourists to Wilmington: More flight options and affordable travel will make Wilmington an even more attractive destination for international visitors. As a popular destination for both leisure and business travelers, this new route promises to draw even more attention to Wilmington’s unique offerings. Convenient Beach Access: Wilmington is the perfect starting point for those heading to the island’s beaches, and travelers can now easily reach the Caribbean directly from Wilmington, avoiding the long airport lines and crowds typical of larger cities.
The impact of Avero Air on Wilmington and its economy
Since first arriving in Wilmington in June 2022, Avero Airlines has made a significant impact on the region. To date, the airline has completed approximately 5,000 flights out of Wilmington International Airport, carrying more than 580,000 passengers. This expansion not only made travel more convenient, it also contributed to the local economy by creating aviation industry jobs such as pilots, flight attendants and customer support staff.
Avero’s major contributions to Wilmington’s economy:
Job Creation: With Avero’s growing presence at Wilmington International Airport, the company has created many job opportunities in the aviation industry. Tourism Growth: The new line to Punta Cana is expected to strengthen Wilmington’s tourism sector and encourage more tourists to explore the city and its surrounding area. Local investment: Avero’s long-term investment in Wilmington, including a dedicated crew base and two Boeing 737s based at the airport, is the airline’s commitment to the region.
Connecting Wilmington and the world
Avero Airlines has earned a reputation for providing reliable and affordable aviation services, and its latest international expansion is no exception. By offering nonstop flights to Punta Cana, the company not only helps Wilmington residents easily access popular destinations in the Caribbean, it also offers travelers from the Dominican Republic the opportunity to experience the best of the North Carolina coast. This new service presents exciting opportunities for both business and leisure travelers, and the convenience of nonstop flights is sure to strengthen Wilmington’s global connections.
International Connections: This new service will further strengthen Wilmington’s connections with the rest of the world, making travel easier for local residents and international visitors alike. Expanding Wilmington’s Global Reach: International connectivity to Punta Cana positions Wilmington as a more strategic gateway for travelers looking to explore the East Coast and beyond.
Avero: a growing airline with a strong track record
Since its launch in April 2021, Avero Airlines has made a name for itself by offering convenient and affordable flights to underserved destinations. The airline has expanded rapidly, serving approximately 50 destinations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Caribbean. Avero’s commitment to reliability has made it recognized as one of the most punctual and reliable airlines in the industry, which plays a key role in attracting customers looking for a hassle-free travel experience.
Avero’s main achievements:
Industry-leading reliability: Avero ranks #1 in on-time performance and achieved the lowest cancellation rate in the U.S. airline industry in 2024. Affordable Membership: The airline’s newly launched Avero Plus program improves the travel experience for frequent fliers by offering members-only benefits such as discounted fares and priority boarding. Fleet Expansion: Avero’s fleet continues to grow, with plans to add up to 100 new aircraft by 2024. By 2027, the airline will be positioned for continued expansion and increased travel options in the future.
Looking to the future: A new era for Wilmington’s travel scene
The future looks bright for both the city and Avero as Wilmington establishes itself as a new hub for international travel. The new Punta Cana route is just the beginning of what is expected to be a long and prosperous relationship between the airline and the Wilmington community. Investments in the city’s travel infrastructure, combined with Avero’s affordable and reliable service, are sure to attract more visitors and further enhance Wilmington’s appeal as a top destination on the East Coast.
The future of air travel in Wilmington:
Continued Expansion: With more international routes on the horizon, Wilmington is poised to become an even more important player in the global travel scene. Increased Tourism: The Punta Cana line is expected to bring more international visitors to Wilmington, boosting the local economy and tourism sector. Strengthening our global presence: As Avero continues to expand, Wilmington will become more connected to other popular travel destinations and become a central hub for East Coast travel.
