Major Airlines Continue To Cease Flights to Orlando, Countless Disney Getaways To Face Consequences

Another major airline is ceasing flights into Orlando International Airport, which will send ripples through hundreds of future Walt Disney World vacations.

A person stands in front of a flight information board, looking up at the screen. To the left, an image of Mickey Mouse at a Disney theme park with a castle in the background adds a touch of magic to the scene. — Credit: Inside The Magic

Airlines Continue To Cease Operations Into Orlando International Airport, Severally Impacting Future Disney World Travels

This summer has not been favorable for folks wanting to fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO) from their home state. As more people travel again after being restricted to their states or homes because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more flights have also been diverted from MCO, severely impacting Disney World guests.

Avelo Airlines has temporarily halted its direct flights from Kalamazoo to Orlando. According to Craig Williams, the airport director, this is a “temporary hiatus,” with the service expected to resume later in the year.

The last scheduled flight to Orlando was on April 8, and while Avelo has indicated that the route will return in November, a specific date has not yet been announced. In a separate development, Calgary-based Lynx Air, launched less than two years ago to make air travel more affordable for Canadians, has ceased operations.

The company cited various challenges, including rising operating costs, high fuel prices, unfavorable exchange rates, increasing airport charges, and a challenging economic and regulatory environment.

In a news release, Lynx Air stated, “Over the past year, Lynx Air has faced several significant headwinds… Despite substantial growth in the business, ongoing operational improvements, cost reductions, and efforts to explore a sale or merger, the challenges facing the company’s business have become too significant to overcome.”

A delta airline plane flying past a colorful, fantastical castle with towering spires under a dramatic sky with puffy clouds. — Credit: Inside the Magic

Then, Southwest Airlines sounded the alarm that it would change its seating policy from then on, breaking a historic policy after 50 years. CNBC writes, “Southwest Airlines is considering changes to its single-class, open-seating cabins to drive up revenue, CEO Bob Jordan told CNBC in April, “a shift that would be among the largest in the airline’s history.”

According to reports from FOX 13 in Florida and the Associated Press, Southwest Airlines announced on Thursday, July 25, that it will introduce assigned seating and premium seating options with additional legroom.

A new policy is sending positive shockwaves through the Disney World guest community at MCO. Allegiant Air is expanding its operations to include several Florida airports, offering new routes at competitive prices. Beginning November 14, 2024, the airline will initiate flights to Punta Gorda/Fort Myers, Florida, from Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), with one-way fares starting at $39.

But amid some good news, some more bad news is on the way. Flights to Orlando International Airport (MCO) have increased this year, according to Visit Orlando. However, one airline is set to discontinue a non-stop service to the airport.

An image showing a Disney castle with an ominous storm cloud formation looming in the background. A circular inset in the upper left corner displays a flight departure board with several times listed, all marked "cancelled." The juxtaposition of Disney magic and real-world disruptions creates a captivating scene. — Credit: Inside The Magic

Many travelers choose MCO for its proximity to Walt Disney World, which is just under an hour away, and the wide range of airlines that serve it. Despite the rise in travel, American Airlines will be canceling its non-stop flight from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to MCO starting in October, as reported by the Orlando Business Journal.

In a statement to the Orlando Business Journal, American Airlines explained, “As part of the continuous evaluation of our network, American will reduce service from Austin starting in October.

American will continue to offer customers access to our comprehensive global network of more than 350 destinations with one-stop connections. We’re proactively contacting impacted customers and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.” Orlando is among five destinations affected by this change, including Las Vegas, NV, New Orleans, LA, Palm Springs, CA, and Reno, NV.

For those still planning to fly directly from Austin to Orlando, alternative airlines such as Delta Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Spirit Airlines continue to offer service.

Travelers can also drive approximately two and a half hours to Houston to catch flights to Orlando. Additionally, flights to MCO remain widely available from various international and domestic locations, making it a convenient gateway for Disney World visitors. Sanford International Airport, another option, is further from Disney World but offers additional flight choices for travelers.