Avelo Airlines has entered into a long-term agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to operate deportation flights out of Arizona, igniting a political firestorm and backlash from immigrant rights advocates.
At a Glance
- ICE Flight Launch: Avelo Airlines will begin ICE-chartered deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona on May 12.
- Fleet Commitment: The airline is dedicating three Boeing 737-800s for DHS deportation operations.
- Job Creation: A new airline base in Mesa will bring hiring opportunities for flight attendants, pilots, and technicians.
- Public Backlash: Critics, including New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and immigrant advocacy groups, have condemned the move.
- CEO Response: CEO Andrew Levy cited job stability and business expansion as key reasons for the partnership.
Avelo Airlines Partners with DHS for Deportation Flights
Avelo Airlines, a low-cost U.S. carrier, has entered into a high-profile and controversial agreement with the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement to operate deportation flights out of Arizona starting next month. The partnership, set to launch May 12, will see Avelo fly domestic and international removal operations using three Boeing 737-800 aircraft based at Mesa Gateway Airport.
The deal positions Avelo in the national spotlight and distinguishes it from most commercial carriers, which typically avoid entanglement in federal immigration enforcement. These flights, chartered by ICE, will deport individuals who have received final removal orders under U.S. immigration law.
New Arizona Base to Fuel Hiring
Avelo is simultaneously establishing a crew base at Mesa Gateway Airport to support the DHS operations. According to company officials, the move will create new jobs in the area, including openings for pilots, aircraft technicians, and flight attendants, with advertised starting pay of $28 per hour.
The airline’s leadership maintains that the partnership is a pragmatic business decision. CEO Andrew Levy explained, “After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 Crewmembers employed for years to come,” as reported by the Associated Press.
Local Officials and Activists Speak Out
The backlash has been swift. In Connecticut, where Avelo operates from New Haven’s Tweed Airport, Mayor Justin Elicker issued a scathing statement. “Avelo Airlines’ decision… is deeply disappointing and disturbing,” he told the Lost Coast Outpost, criticizing the airline’s role in deportations that many believe unfairly target immigrant communities.
Watch local news coverage of the ICE partnership.
The New Haven Immigrant Coalition also launched an online boycott petition, calling on residents to stop using Avelo’s services until it ends its collaboration with DHS. Advocates argue that deportation flights can contribute to trauma in immigrant families and fail to address root causes of migration.
A Risky Play for a Budget Airline
Avelo’s participation in deportation logistics is highly unusual for a consumer-facing airline. Historically, ICE deportations have been handled by lesser-known charter operators that fly under the radar. Tom Cartwright, an analyst with advocacy group Witness at the Border, noted the potential brand risk, saying Avelo may be underestimating the public relations consequences.
Despite the criticism, Avelo remains firm in its decision. The company argues that while politically sensitive, the flights offer financial reliability and operational growth in a challenging aviation market.
As debate over immigration policy intensifies nationally, Avelo’s contract with ICE places it at the intersection of business strategy and political controversy—earning it both praise for supporting law enforcement and condemnation for aligning with Trump-era deportation policies.
