Avelo Airlines faces backlash over ICE deportation flight contract

Andrew Levy, founder and CEO of Avelo Airlines, acknowledged the complexities surrounding the decision to support Department of Homeland Security operations. In a statement, he explained their rationale:

"We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic. 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.”

The airline is facing significant backlash from the public following the announcement of its participation in these flights. Fortune reported that New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker voiced his disappointment:

“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 in antithetical to New Haven’s values.”

In advance of the new service, Avelo is hiring staff to support these operations, including opening applications for flight attendants. Job descriptions note that the role is part of a "charter program for the Department of Homeland Security," underscoring the international and domestic nature of the flights.

Additionally, the New Haven Immigrants Coalition started an online petition on Change.org, urging a boycott of Avelo Airlines. The petition demands the airline halt its deportation flight plans with the administration. It claims a leaked memo suggests these flights are designed to mitigate financial losses at Tweed Airport, and it criticizes the airline's use of a Connecticut state fuel tax moratorium to expand its operations.

The petition also argues against the renewal of Avelo's fuel tax relief from the Connecticut legislature, which is due to expire shortly after the commencement of the deportation flights.