Avelo Airlines faces scrutiny over involvement in U.S. government deportation flights

The use of chartered planes by U.S. agencies to transport detainees is not new; however, commercial airlines rarely take on such a visible role as Avelo now does. After entering into the contract under the Trump administration, Avelo faced calls for boycotts and several protests. One demonstration at Baltimore/Washington International Airport drew about 100 participants objecting to the airline’s role in deportation operations.

In April 2025, Avelo signed an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to move migrants to detention centers within and outside the United States. NPR reported that Avelo agreed to this long-term partnership due to financial difficulties.

There are indications that DHS may seek greater control over deportation logistics by operating its own fleet of aircraft. NBC News cited sources familiar with internal discussions who said this could help DHS meet a target of deporting between 30,000 and 35,000 immigrants each month—a goal that would require owning approximately 30 aircraft, twice what it currently charters.

Currently, DHS charters between eight and fourteen planes at any given time for removal operations. Jason Houser, former ICE chief of staff from 2022 to 2023, told NBC News that this arrangement allowed the Biden administration to remove around 15,000 immigrants per month using chartered flights.

Costs associated with these charters are substantial: regularly scheduled charter flights average $8,577 per flight hour while special high-risk charters can range from $6,929 up to $26,795 per flight hour depending on aircraft type.

Funding may not be an obstacle for DHS if it chooses to operate its own fleet; under legislation passed during Donald Trump’s presidency—referred to as "big, beautiful bill"—the department received more than $75 billion overall and $30 billion earmarked specifically for deportation efforts.

Avelo Airlines was founded in 2018 and operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier with hubs at several airports including Hollywood Burbank Airport and Tweed New Haven Airport. Its CEO is Andrew Levy.

“too valuable not to pursue.” – Avelo Airlines spokesperson