Avelo Airlines will suspend flights out of Mobile International Airport beginning in March, the Mobile Airport Authority said in a statement, making the announcement roughly seven months after Avelo began direct flights from Mobile to Orlando.

The authority said Mobile is one of eight airports targeted for suspension of flights as the airline “evaluates and adjusts its market presence,” the statement said.

The last flights from Mobile to Orlando are set for March 4 — almost a year to the day after Avelo, airport authority and City of Mobile officials announced the airline would begin operations from the airport.

Customers impacted by the suspension will be contacted by Avelo representatives.

“Avelo Airlines has made the difficult decision to seasonally suspend service between Mobile, AL and Orlando beginning March 4, 2024,” said Courtney Goff, Communications Manager for the airline. “Several of our cities, including Mobile, tend to experience fluctuations in air traffic during the first half of the year.

“While we are temporarily suspending service, we are actively exploring options to offer seasonal service in the future,” Goff added “As previously mentioned, the first half of the year timeframe typically does have lower demand, we chose to utilize this time to lessen frequencies and seasonally exit so we’re in a good position for peak summer travel. This helps us have even better reliability and creates a better experience for our customers.”

Mobile Airport Authority President Chris Curry said the suspension of Avelo flights would have no impact on the airport’s continued improvements, including the new terminal set to open in the fall of 2025.

“We deeply appreciate the service Avelo Airlines has provided to our community, and we look forward to their eventual return to the Mobile market,” Curry said. “We will utilize this temporary suspension to specifically work on those projects that will impact Michigan Avenue, the primary route for passengers accessing both terminals at Mobile International Airport.

“When Avelo Airlines returns they’ll find an even more welcoming environment for their valued customers.”