Avelo Airlines Adds New Nonstop Service Between Fort Myers and the Charlotte Area
Southwest Florida travelers will soon have a new nonstop option to the Charlotte region, as Avelo Airlines has announced new service between Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers and Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in Concord, North Carolina.
The new Fort Myers route is scheduled to begin Thursday, November 19, 2026, with twice-weekly service on Thursdays and Sundays, according to Avelo Airlines. The flights will operate on Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft.
For travelers in Lee County, Collier County, Charlotte County and the greater Southwest Florida region, the announcement adds another affordable nonstop option from RSW at a time when demand for Florida air service continues to grow. The move follows a busy stretch of Florida airline news, including Breeze Airways’ recent Florida expansion and other new route announcements across the Suncoast.
What the New Route Means for RSW Travelers
The new Avelo flight will connect Fort Myers with Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, which serves the greater Charlotte area. For some travelers, flying into Concord can be a more convenient alternative to Charlotte Douglas International Airport, especially for those visiting the northern Charlotte suburbs, Concord, Lake Norman, NASCAR-related attractions, or family and business destinations across the region.
Avelo said it will be the only airline offering nonstop service between Concord-Padgett Regional Airport and Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa as part of this new Florida expansion. The airline is also adding Concord service to Orlando International Airport and Tampa International Airport.
Avelo’s New Fort Myers Flight at a Glance
- Route: Fort Myers, Florida – Southwest Florida International Airport
- Destination: Charlotte/Concord, North Carolina – Concord-Padgett Regional Airport
- Start date: Thursday, November 19, 2026
- Schedule: Thursdays and Sundays
- Aircraft: Boeing Next-Generation 737
- Booking: Available through Avelo Airlines
Avelo’s official new-routes page also lists the Fort Myers-Charlotte/Concord service as announced on June 24, 2026, with flights scheduled to start on November 19, 2026.
Why This Is Good News for Southwest Florida
RSW has become one of Florida’s most important mid-sized airports, serving both local residents and the region’s massive visitor economy. Southwest Florida International Airport says it offers nonstop service to more than 70 destinations by 15 air carriers, making it a major gateway for Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Sanibel, Captiva and Punta Gorda-area travelers. The airport also set a new passenger record in 2024, underscoring how quickly travel demand has grown in the region.
The addition of another low-cost carrier route gives local travelers more choices and may help create more fare competition, especially for people heading to North Carolina for family visits, business, college trips, sports events or long weekends.
It also works in the other direction. The Charlotte/Concord area is a strong feeder market for Southwest Florida tourism. A nonstop flight into RSW gives North Carolina travelers easier access to Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, Naples, Cape Coral and the broader Gulf Coast.
Avelo Continues to Build Its East Coast Network
Avelo has been steadily building a network focused on smaller, convenient airports and underserved routes. The airline says it currently serves more than 30 destinations across the United States and operates bases including Tweed-New Haven Airport in Connecticut, Wilmington Airport in Delaware, Lakeland International Airport in Florida and Concord-Padgett Regional Airport in North Carolina. Avelo also says it plans to open a fifth base at McKinney National Airport in North Texas in late 2026.
The Fort Myers route will become part of Avelo’s growing Concord/Charlotte schedule. With the new Florida additions, Avelo says it will serve 11 nonstop destinations from Concord-Padgett Regional Airport, including Fort Myers, Tampa, Orlando, Lakeland, New Haven, Cleveland, Indianapolis, Albany, Rochester, Long Island and San Juan.
Travel Tip Before Booking
As with most low-cost airlines, travelers should compare the full trip cost before booking. Avelo notes that additional fees may apply for carry-on bags, checked bags, assigned seats and other optional services. The airline also states that a charge applies to bookings or changes made through its Customer Support Center, so booking online is usually the best way to avoid extra service fees. Suncoast travelers have seen similar fare-shopping considerations with other low-cost airline options serving the region.
Bottom Line
Avelo’s new Fort Myers-to-Charlotte/Concord route is another sign that Southwest Florida remains a strong and growing air travel market. For Suncoast travelers, the twice-weekly service adds a new nonstop option to North Carolina. For visitors from the Charlotte area, it creates another direct gateway to the beaches, restaurants, resorts and communities of Southwest Florida.
For RSW, it is one more route strengthening the airport’s role as a major travel hub for Florida’s Gulf Coast.