Avelo Airlines is launching Wilmington International Airport’s first ever international service with a seasonal nonstop to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, marking a milestone for ILM as it expands beyond domestic routes. The Punta Cana service is scheduled to begin December 24 and run through the spring, with flights operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays. One-way fares are advertised starting at $129.
In addition to the Punta Cana route, Avelo will add nonstop service to West Palm Beach, Florida, starting November 20. These flights will operate on Thursdays and Saturdays, with fares from $57. Together, the Punta Cana and West Palm Beach additions bring Avelo’s total destinations from ILM to 17.
ILM has recently upgraded its U.S. Customs and Border Protection facilities in anticipation of international travel. Improvements included converting an old jail cell into a bathroom, updating the secondary screening area, and adding seating to accommodate more international passengers.
Airport officials stress that the future of ILM’s international service hinges on the success of these new routes. ILM is technically a port of entry, and while international general aviation traffic has long flown through the airport, the Punta Cana flight would give the public its first regular international passenger service from ILM.
Local context notes that there has been some pushback in the community related to other issues, with a Wilmington group protest concerning Avelo Airlines’ ICE deportation flights. The airline’s international ambitions, however, are focused on expanding travel options for residents and visitors alike.
Secretary-level numbers from the North Carolina Department of Transportation are cited to illustrate Avelo’s impact since it began operations at ILM in 2022: roughly 225,000 passengers have flown out of ILM, contributing about $1.1 billion in economic activity and supporting more than 6,000 jobs in the region.
Separately, ILM announced ongoing improvements to its curbside operations.Temporary changes were introduced as part of an expansion of the drop-off and pick-up area. A temporary curbfront is slated to open August 19 to support passengers while the current curbside undergoes a roughly 18-month renovation.
What this means for travelers
– Punta Cana from ILM offers a convenient option for beach and resort getaways, with mid-winter to spring service on a few days each week.
– West Palm Beach adds a new cross-Florida connection from ILM, broadening weekend vacation planning.
– Passengers should plan ahead for international travel at ILM by using the international terminal shuttle lot and taking the shuttle to the main terminal, as cars parked near the Customs building are easier to re-enter after clearing U.S. border controls. Parking in that lot is currently $7 per day.
– With the upgrades to the CBP facility, travelers may notice smoother processing; arriving early remains advisable on international flight days.
Summary
Avelo’s two new routes from ILM—Punta Cana and West Palm Beach—mark a significant step in expanding ILM’s international reach. The airport has invested in border-processing upgrades and infrastructure improvements to support international travel, and local officials are hopeful that passenger demand will prove sustainable and encourage further international service in the future. If the Punta Cana service proves popular, ILM could see additional international destinations in coming years, offering more choices for Coastal North Carolina travelers and visitors to the region.