Avelo Airlines, a Houston-based budget carrier, has recently entered into a long-term agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency to operate deportation flights beginning May 12, 2025. This decision has sparked significant controversy, leading to calls for boycotts and criticism from various community leaders and advocacy groups.
Under the terms of the agreement, Avelo Airlines will utilize three Boeing 737-800 aircraft based at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona to conduct both domestic and international deportation flights. The airline is establishing a new base in Mesa and is actively recruiting flight attendants, pilots, and mechanics to support this operation. Job listings indicate that flight attendants will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of deportees, with duties including meal and drink service. Each flight will also be staffed by a nurse and a flight officer.
The announcement has elicited strong reactions from various quarters. A petition initiated by the New Haven Immigrant Heritage Coalition has amassed over 7,100 signatures, urging Avelo to reconsider its involvement in deportation flights. Critics argue that the airline’s participation in deportation operations contradicts community values and contributes to the disruption of families and communities.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker condemned the decision, stating that it is inconsistent with the city’s values. He emphasized that travel should serve to unite families rather than separate them.
Additionally, members of the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors have criticized Avelo’s decision, particularly as it involves relocating employees from their operations base at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport to support the deportation flights. Chair Lynda Hopkins expressed her disapproval, stating that she would not financially support the airline, highlighting concerns over prioritizing profits from deportation services over local tourism economies.
In response to the backlash, Avelo Airlines CEO Andrew Levy acknowledged the sensitivity of the issue but defended the contract as a strategic move to provide financial stability and preserve jobs within the company. Levy emphasized that the decision was driven by economic considerations rather than political motivations.
Avelo’s involvement in deportation flights is notable, as such operations are typically handled by lesser-known charter airlines. The airline’s decision to participate highlights the complex ethical considerations faced by carriers when engaging in government contracts related to immigration enforcement.
As Avelo Airlines prepares to commence deportation flights in May, the controversy surrounding its decision is likely to persist. The situation underscores the broader national debate over immigration policies and the roles that private companies play in their enforcement. The coming months will reveal how Avelo navigates the challenges to its reputation and operations amid ongoing public scrutiny.
