Avelo Airlines is launching ICE deportation charter flights from Arizona’s Mesa Gateway Airport, announcing a strategic business decision that could both secure jobs and ignite controversy.
At a Glance
- Avelo Airlines will begin operating deportation charter flights for ICE starting May 12 from a new base at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona
- The operation will utilize three Boeing 737-800 aircraft dedicated to domestic and international deportation services
- The airline cites job stability for over 1,100 employees as a key motivation for signing the government contract
- This decision has sparked opposition, including a petition with nearly 7,000 signatures calling for a boycott of the airline
- Avelo is simultaneously reducing its commercial passenger routes from Sonoma County Airport due to low demand
New ICE Charter Program Launching in Arizona
Avelo Airlines announced plans to establish a new operational base at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona specifically for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) charter flights. Starting May 12, the airline will deploy three Boeing 737-800 aircraft for deportation services that will operate both domestically and internationally. The location is strategically positioned approximately 120 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border and 80 miles north-northwest of Tucson, making it an efficient hub for border enforcement operations.
The agreement with the Department of Homeland Security’s ICE agency was announced on April 10, marking an unusual partnership as deportation flights are typically handled by lesser-known charter companies rather than commercial passenger airlines. Mesa Gateway Airport will become home to a new crew base, with Avelo actively hiring flight attendants and aircraft technicians to support the operation. The charter program is being developed separately from Avelo’s commercial passenger services.
Avelo Airlines is drawing criticism after reportedly signing a contract to operate federal deportation charter flights beginning in May 2025.
Avelo Airlines is partnering with Immigration Customs and Enforcement (ICE) to charter deportation flights out of an Arizona airport.… pic.twitter.com/BZjykJlIV1
— FL360aero (@fl360aero) April 8, 2025
Business Strategy and Job Security
Avelo Founder and CEO Andrew Levy framed the decision as a business strategy aimed at ensuring long-term stability for the company’s workforce of more than 1,100 employees. The airline, founded in 2021 and based in Houston, Texas, operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier serving 56 destinations across the United States and several international locations including Jamaica, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas. The ICE contract represents a significant revenue stream that could offset challenges in competitive commercial markets.
“We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic,” said Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy. “Regardless of the administration or party affiliation, as a U.S. flag carrier when our country calls and requests assistance our practice is to say yes.”
The airline currently maintains a fleet of 20 Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, including both 737-700 and 737-800 models. Company spokesperson Courtney Goff emphasized that the new charter operations would function independently from their commercial passenger services, stating, “These charters will not have an effect on our commercial operations, they are completely separate.” This separation appears designed to minimize potential business disruptions from the controversial nature of deportation flights.
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
Scaling Back Commercial Operations
Concurrent with its ICE charter expansion, Avelo announced plans to reduce its commercial passenger services at Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport in California. The airline will cut four of its eight routes from Sonoma County due to weak demand and poor financial performance. The remaining routes will connect Sonoma to Bend/Redmond, Las Vegas, Los Angeles/Burbank, and Palm Springs. Avelo will close its base at Sonoma County Airport and shift those operations to Burbank Airport in Southern California.
“Travel should be about bringing people together, not tearing families apart,” stated New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, who opposes Avelo’s decision to operate deportation flights.
Opposition and Controversy
The New Haven Immigrant Heritage Coalition launched a petition opposing Avelo’s involvement in deportation flights that has gathered nearly 7,000 signatures. The petition calls for a boycott of the airline, which maintains a presence at Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut. New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker expressed strong opposition to Avelo’s decision, stating it contradicts the city’s values despite the airline marketing itself as “New Haven’s hometown airline.”
Flight data analyst Tom Cartwright noted that Avelo’s participation in the deportation flight program is unusual within the industry. Most deportation flights are typically operated by smaller, specialized charter companies that maintain a lower public profile. As Avelo moves forward with implementing the ICE charter program, the company faces the challenge of balancing its government contract obligations with potential consumer backlash and boycott efforts from immigration advocacy groups.
