In a controversial move that’s sure to spark debate, Avelo Airlines is set to launch deportation charter flights from Arizona’s Mesa Gateway Airport, aligning closely with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
At a Glance
- Avelo Airlines will open a new base in Arizona to provide deportation charter flights for ICE.
- The airline has signed a deal with ICE to support a long-term charter program for deportation efforts.
- Operations will begin on May 12, using three Boeing 737-800s at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona.
- A petition by the New Haven Immigrant Heritage Coalition opposes Avelo’s involvement in deportation flights.
- Avelo plans to reduce its commercial services at Sonoma County Airport, cutting four routes due to low demand.
Avelo’s New Partnership with ICE
Avelo Airlines has announced its controversial partnership with ICE to provide deportation charter flights from Mesa Gateway Airport. This decision, announced on April 10, makes Avelo the latest company to take on such a role, typically reserved for lesser-known charter companies. Operations commence on May 12, utilizing three Boeing 737-800s for both domestic and international routes under the ICE charter program.
CEO Andrew Levy defended the decision’s controversy by claiming it allows the airline to expand services and protect over 1,100 jobs. He acknowledged, “We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic.” Nonetheless, some opposition has already arisen, especially from New Haven, Connecticut’s Mayor, Justin Elicker. He criticized Avelo, calling the business decision “antithetical to New Haven’s values.”
Avelo Airlines job posting seeks "energetic" flight attendants for deportation flights, supporting @RealTomHoman @ICEgov efforts@AGWilliamTong suggests CT pull support from Avelo
Is this another sign that Connecticut's policies are pushing businesses out of the state @CTDems https://t.co/5Ii8fHR7tA pic.twitter.com/HhLiJi2ZPI
— CT News & Opinion (@CTNewsOp) April 9, 2025
Operational Changes at Avelo Airlines
Avelo aims to establish a crew base at Mesa Gateway Airport, hiring flight attendants and technicians for their charter operations. Despite the controversy, this move is intended to provide stability for its workforce. Courtney Goff, an Avelo spokesman, reassured that, “These charters will not have an effect on our commercial operations, they are completely separate.”
The move to Mesa is part of Avelo’s strategy to streamline operations. The airline plans to reduce commercial services from Sonoma County Airport, cutting four routes owing to low demand and poor financial results. Instead, they will shift operations to Burbank Airport in Southern California to reinforce core passenger services.
Avelo Airlines, a relatively new and fast-growing ultra low cost carrier, agreed to operate ICE deportation flights from Arizona starting in May. https://t.co/Ll7iri0DMI
— USA TODAY Travel (@usatodaytravel) April 7, 2025
Public Backlash and Support
The decision has triggered public backlash, with the New Haven Immigrant Heritage Coalition gathering nearly 7,000 signatures opposing Avelo’s role in deportation flights and proposing a boycott. Mayor Elicker emphasized the broader implications, stating, “Travel should be about bringing people together, not tearing families apart.”
“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” – Justin Elicker
The decision has triggered public backlash, with the New Haven Immigrant Heritage Coalition gathering nearly 7,000 signatures opposing Avelo’s role in deportation flights and proposing a boycott. Mayor Elicker emphasized the broader implications, stating, “Travel should be about bringing people together, not tearing families apart.”
