Avelo Airlines, a budget carrier based in Houston, has stirred controversy by announcing plans to operate deportation flights for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) beginning May 12, 2025. The airline's CEO, Andrew Levy, stated that the company has signed a long-term charter agreement with the DHS’s Immigration Control and Enforcement agency, a move that aims to support the agency's deportation efforts while also providing stability for Avelo’s operations.
Levy acknowledged the sensitive nature of this decision, saying, "We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic." He emphasized that the charter flights would help Avelo expand its core scheduled passenger services and protect the jobs of its more than 1,100 crew members. The flights will be operated using three Boeing 737-800 aircraft based at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, and will include both domestic and international routes.
Tom Cartwright, a flight data analyst for the advocacy group Witness at the Border, noted that he is unaware of any other commercial airlines providing such flights for ICE in the past five years, calling Avelo's decision “unusual.” Typically, these flights are operated by lesser-known charter companies rather than commercial airlines like Avelo, which sells tickets directly to the public.
In light of the announcement, New Haven, Connecticut Mayor Justin Elicker expressed his strong opposition to Avelo's new venture. He reached out to Levy over the weekend of April 5-6, 2025, urging him to reconsider the arrangement. Elicker stated, "Avelo Airlines’ decision to charter deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona is deeply disappointing and disturbing. For a company that champions themselves as ‘New Haven’s hometown airline,’ this business decision is antithetical to New Haven’s values. Travel should be about bringing people together, not tearing families apart.”
In response to Avelo's decision, the New Haven Immigrants Coalition has launched an online petition urging people to boycott the airline until it halts its deportation flights. The petition has gained significant traction, amassing over 2,800 signatures as of April 7, 2025. The coalition claims that Avelo's involvement in deportation flights contradicts the welcoming stance of New Haven towards immigrants.
A former Avelo flight attendant, who wished to remain anonymous, shared alarming experiences from a previous deportation flight, during which he recorded video footage of passengers in shackles. He described the scene as "frightening" and "dehumanizing," expressing concern about the safety of such flights. The attendant highlighted that under FAA regulations, each flight attendant is responsible for helping a specific number of passengers evacuate during emergencies, raising doubts about the feasibility of ensuring safety for passengers who may be restrained.
He recalled an incident where around 180 seats were filled with deportees, some unable to buckle their seat belts due to the bulky chains. "Any flight attendant, any aviation professional, anybody can look at that situation and say that it’s a disaster waiting to happen," he remarked. He feared that if an emergency occurred, it could lead to casualties.
Avelo Airlines has defended its practices, stating that it has received positive feedback from both the FAA and DHS regarding its previous charter operations. However, concerns remain about the ethical implications of the airline's choice to engage in deportation flights.
The decision to partner with ICE comes amid challenging financial circumstances for Avelo. An internal email from Levy detailed that the airline had faced its worst quarterly performance since 2023, largely attributed to increased competition in the New Haven market. As a response, Avelo is shifting its focus to more steady revenue streams, including the charter flights for ICE.
Levy's email outlined the challenges faced by Avelo, noting that competition in the New Haven area has surged, with increased market activity exceeding the national average. He cited three main factors contributing to this downturn: competition from Breeze Airways and other airlines, declining consumer confidence in air travel, and scheduling issues at Tweed Airport.
Despite the backlash, Avelo has moved forward with its plans, opening a base at the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. The airline aims to stabilize its financial footing while continuing its scheduled passenger services. This controversial pivot has drawn condemnation not only from local officials but also from advocacy groups concerned about the implications of deportation flights.
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has also weighed in, suggesting that the state should reevaluate its support for Avelo given its new role in deportation efforts. Tong stated, "These efforts are inconsistent with the policies of the State of Connecticut, and no business receiving support from the State of Connecticut should volunteer to assist." He expressed concerns about the broader implications of Avelo's decision, arguing that it aligns with the Trump administration's aggressive deportation policies that have been criticized for violating due process rights.
The situation remains fluid as Avelo prepares to commence its deportation flights. The airline's decision has ignited a fierce debate about the intersection of business practices and immigration policies, highlighting the ethical dilemmas faced by companies in politically charged environments. As the May start date approaches, both supporters and opponents of Avelo's new charter flights are mobilizing their efforts, setting the stage for continued public discourse on this contentious issue.
