News Summary
Avelo Airlines has commenced federal deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport, sparking public outrage and calls for a boycott. The airline’s partnership with the Department of Homeland Security has been met with protests and criticism from local officials and advocacy groups. Despite the financial incentives, concerns about the ethical implications of deportation flights have been raised, highlighting tensions within the airline and among the community. As Avelo moves ahead with these operations, further public backlash is anticipated.
Arizona – Avelo Airlines has officially begun operating federal deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport, a move that has incited significant public backlash and calls for a boycott. The first flight took off on May 12, 2025, shortly after the airline announced an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in April. These deportation flights will utilize three Boeing 737-800 aircraft, positioning Avelo as a key player in the mass deportation efforts that have gained momentum since the Trump administration.
The announcement arrives amidst ongoing congressional discussions concerning a controversial tax bill that aims to allocate funding for the removal of 1 million immigrants annually. This GOP proposal envisions hiring an additional 10,000 personnel for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to enhance enforcement capabilities. Avelo’s involvement is framed as a strategic move to expand the airline’s operations and bolster job security, according to Andrew Levy, the airline’s CEO.
Founded in 2021, Avelo Airlines emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic as a budget carrier focused on cost-saving measures, such as utilizing older aircraft and operating from secondary airports. Following a return to profitability, the airline is now seeking new ventures, evidenced by its partnership with ICE.
Despite the potential financial benefits, the decision to conduct deportation flights has not come without controversy. A petition on change.org calling for a boycott of Avelo has garnered attention, with activists rallying against the airline’s role in the deportation process. Protests have erupted at both Mesa Gateway Airport and Tweed New Haven Airport, drawing dozens of demonstrators who express concern over the ethical implications of deportation flights.
The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA has openly criticized Avelo Airlines, citing safety risks associated with the transportation of deported individuals during emergencies. Such positions underscore the internal tensions surrounding the operational changes and the broader implications they pose for both the airline and its employees.
Local officials are also voicing their opposition. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker has expressed disappointment in Avelo’s decision, urging the airline to reconsider its charter agreement with ICE, which he believes contradicts the values of his community.
Mesa Gateway Airport is noteworthy for being one of five hubs utilized by ICE Air, which has conducted nearly 8,000 deportation flights over the past year. Analysts, including Tom Cartwright from the advocacy group Witness at the Border, have pointed out that it’s rare for commercial airlines to engage in deportation flights, marking Avelo’s move as a significant departure from industry norms.
As Avelo Airlines prepares to integrate these flights into its operations, the financial specifics of the contract with ICE remain undisclosed, including the destinations for these deportation flights. The airline does not regularly offer commercial flights from Mesa Gateway Airport, further complicating the public’s perception of its role in this controversial initiative.
The situation is evolving, and as Avelo Airlines continues to develop its strategy around these deportation flights, the potential for future protests and boycotts looms large, indicating a rising public interest in the intersection of commercial enterprise and immigration policy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AP News: Avelo Airlines Begins Deportation Flights
- ABC15: Avelo’s Deportation Flights Commence
- KOMO News: Avelo Airlines Launches Deportation Flights
- Wikipedia: Avelo Airlines
- Google Search: Avelo Airlines Deportation Flights
