Just one day after Avelo Airlines revealed plans to shut down its entire West Coast network, Breeze Airways announced it is stepping into the gap and doing it with sale fares starting at just $39 one way.
Beginning in March 2026, Breeze will launch service from Burbank, California to several West Coast cities that are suddenly at risk of losing all commercial air service. That includes Arcata-Eureka, Eugene, Redmond-Bend and Pasco/Tri-Cities plus connections to Provo-Salt Lake City and Las Vegas.
So what’s behind the timing? Aviation analyst Brett Snyder of Cranky Flier summed it up bluntly:
“So the question is… why, Breeze, why? I mean, other than sticking a thumb in Avelo’s eye, is this really worth doing? I spoke with Chief Commercial Officer Lukas Johnson to get a better understanding of the rationale. He explained that this was an opportunistic move since the markets will suddenly be unserved and these markets that Breeze picks up look to be Avelo’s best.”
In other words, Breeze saw an opening and grabbed it. While these may not be mega-hubs, they serve as critical connectors for travelers in secondary cities and now they will avoid the dreaded drive to bigger airports hours away.
Where You Can Go (and For How Much)
Here is a look at a few of the new nonstop routes launching in March 2026 from Burbank (BUR):
- Arcata-Eureka, Calif. (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, starting March 12, 2026, from $39* one-way);
- Eugene, Ore. (Thursdays and Sundays, starting March 19, 2026, from $49* one-way);
- Pasco-Tri-Cities, Wash. (Wednesdays and Saturdays, starting March 18, 2026, from $49* one-way);
- Provo-Salt Lake City, Utah (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, starting March 11, 2026,
- from $39* one-way); and
- Redmond-Bend, Ore. (Mondays and Fridays, starting March 13, 2026, from $49 one-way).
These fares are part of a limited-time sale running through July 23, 2025 and apply to spring travel through May 12, 2026. Blackout dates and day-of-week restrictions apply so check the fine print before booking.
Should You Book It?
If you live in or near one of these smaller cities this could be your best or only option for nonstop flights once Avelo exits. And even if you are based in Los Angeles the $39 starting fare to places like Arcata or Provo makes for an easy weekend escape assuming you don’t mind flying out of Burbank.
Breeze also offers a range of upgrades including extra legroom seats and WiFi on newer Airbus A220 jets but the basic fare is what will grab most travelers’ attention.
I was on Avelo Airlines’ very first flight ever, which just happened to be from Burbank to Santa Rosa (here’s my trip report). I also flew with my family on Breeze Airways from LAX to White Plains NY (HPN), but that route, like many of theirs that don’t make money, no longer exists.
The Bottom Line
Avelo’s retreat from the West Coast leaves behind some useful routes and Breeze is betting that travelers will follow the fares. If you have been looking for an affordable way to explore smaller cities or visit friends and family outside the usual big hubs this could be your chance.
Just don’t wait too long — $39 flights don’t tend to stick around.
