Published December 28, 2025
The dream of turning pine trees into palm trees has become much easier and more affordable for residents of coastal North Carolina. This week, Avero Airlines officially made history at Wilmington International Airport (ILM) by launching its first scheduled international flight, direct to the sunny shores of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The inaugural flight, which took off on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, marked a major milestone for the port city. For the first time, local travelers can clear customs, check their bags, and land in an exotic paradise without the dreaded layover in Atlanta or Charlotte.
Historic first for Wilmington (ILM)
Wilmington International Airport has experienced significant growth, recently ranking as the fastest growing major airport in the United States in terms of seat capacity. But the addition of Punta Cana is the “crown jewel” of the 2025 expansion.
“This is an important milestone for Avero and Wilmington,” said Andrew Levy, founder and CEO of Avero Airlines. “As the first and only airline to offer ILM international service, we are committed to making it more convenient and affordable for our customers to enjoy the Dominican Republic.”
The atmosphere at the airport was enthusiastic in the lead-up to the launch. As the Boeing Next Generation 737 taxied for takeoff, travelers were greeted with a celebration of the Dominican flag, sweet treats and a classic water cannon salute.
Flight details: what you need to know
If you’re looking to book your winter holiday, here’s a breakdown of our new offerings.
Schedule: Flights operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Flight time: Expect flight time to be approximately 3 hours. Seasonal operation: The route is currently scheduled to operate until April 2026, perfect for the peak winter and spring break seasons. Experience: Avero uses Boeing 737-800 aircraft. As an ultra-low-cost carrier, the company focuses on low base fares, allowing you to pay only for the extras you need, such as priority boarding and checked baggage.
Why Punta Cana?
Punta Cana is more than just a beach destination. It is the leisure capital of the Caribbean. Known as the “Coconut Coast,” this region boasts 32 kilometers of white sand beaches and turquoise waters.
Whether you’re a golfer looking to play on world-class courses, a family looking for all-inclusive convenience, or an adventurer looking to explore the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, Punta Cana offers a level of diversity that no other island can match. North Carolina travelers can enjoy drinks poolside by the early afternoon with a direct flight from Wilmington.
Increasing presence in the “triangle” and beyond
While Wilmington celebrates its first international stamp, Avero is also busy expanding operations at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU). In early 2025, the company launched direct flights from RDU to both Montego Bay and Punta Cana, Jamaica.
This “focus on North Carolina” is part of Avero’s broader strategy to avoid large, stressful hubs and move metropolitan destinations to smaller, more convenient regional airports. For travelers in the Research Triangle and Cape Fear region, this means less time in security lines and more time on vacation.
Travel smarter: Avero Caribbean travel tips
Book early for a fare of $131. Avero frequently launches routes with promotional fares. Prices vary, but one-way tickets can be purchased for as low as $131 by checking the website’s Low Fare Calendar.
Watch your bags: If possible, try to travel with only your personal items to keep costs down. If you need carry-on or checked baggage, please pay online in advance. Much cheaper than paying at the airport counter.
Arrival time: For international flights, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours in advance. Although ILM is a small airport, international document verification and TSA can take longer during busy holiday seasons.
Verdict: “Christmas present” for travelers
Airport Director Geoff Burke described the new service as a “great Christmas present” to the community. It’s more than just flying. It shows that coastal North Carolina is no longer just a “stopover” region, but a starting point for global adventures.
Avero continues to use travel data on this Punta Cana route to gauge future demand, and the success of these flights could pave the way for even more international destinations in 2026 and beyond. For now, the message to Wilmington is clear. Pack your sunscreen, grab your passport, and get ready to board the plane.
