Starting 12 May 2025, Avelo Airlines will take on a new role by operating deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA).
The budget airline, known for affordable passenger travel, has signed an agreement with the Department of Homeland Security to base three Boeing 737-800 aircraft at the Arizona airport.
This move marks a significant shift for Avelo as it steps into the controversial world of immigration enforcement support.
A “Strategic Business Move”
Avelo Airlines CEO, Andrew Levy, describes the decision as a practical one. The ICE charter program offers financial stability, shielding the airline from unpredictable fuel costs and economic downturns.
By securing this contract, Avelo aims to strengthen its core business of leisure travel while ensuring job security for its 1,100+ employees.
The airline will operate both domestic and international deportation flights, transporting migrants who have not complied with removal orders or are deemed security risks.
To support this expansion, Avelo is opening a new base at Mesa Gateway Airport. Current employees can transfer to the location, and the airline is hiring locally for roles like pilots, flight attendants, and technicians.
Job postings highlight competitive pay, and call for “energetic, highly motivated” candidates ready to handle the unique demands of deportation operations.
How It Works
ICE frequently relies on a mix of commercial flights and private charters to move migrants within the U.S. and abroad.
Avelo’s flights will include routine transfers as well as “special high-risk” operations, which involve individuals considered a threat to public safety.
This partnership aligns with ICE’s ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws, often under intense public scrutiny.
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, located southeast of Phoenix, is an ideal hub due to its capacity for additional traffic and its proximity to immigration processing centers.
Avelo’s involvement adds to the airport’s growing role in regional aviation, though it’s the deportation flights that are drawing attention.
Controversy and Criticism
Not everyone is on board with Avelo’s new venture. The mayor of New Haven, Connecticut voiced disappointment, saying the move clashes with the city’s values. New Haven is home to Avelo’s operations at Tweed New Haven Airport.
Critics argue that an airline focused on family-friendly travel shouldn’t align with deportation efforts, which often spark heated debate.
Supporters, however, see it as a pragmatic choice for a small airline navigating a tough industry.
Looking Ahead
Avelo insists this won’t change its identity as a low-cost carrier. The ICE contract is a behind-the-scenes operation, separate from its public-facing passenger services. Still, the decision could shape how customers view the brand moving forward.
As May 2025 approaches, Avelo is preparing for takeoff, both literally and figuratively. The airline’s new base and deportation flights signal growth, but they also thrust Avelo into a polarizing spotlight.
Airlines participating in immigration deportation operations globally have faced significant public backlash; risking characterization as a cruel, opportunistic money grab.
Whether this controversial commercial gamble pays off for Avelo Airlines remains to be seen.
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