Over 4,200 people have signed a petition demanding that Avelo Airlines abandon its plans to operate deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The recent announcement by the budget airline advising its intention to operate deportation flights from Phoenix, AZ has sparked a growing wave of public outcry.
Avelo recently announced a long-term contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It now plans to fly both domestic and international deportation missions starting 12 May 2025.
Opposition from Local Communities
Based out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, Avelo intends to deploy three Boeing 737-800 aircraft for these operations. But the decision has sparked fierce opposition, particularly from communities where the airline operates, like New Haven, Connecticut.
The petition, launched by the New Haven Immigrant Heritage Coalition, calls for a boycott of Avelo Airlines. “We pledge to boycott the airline until they stop plans to profit off ICE flights that are tearing families and communities apart,” the petition states.
By Tuesday afternoon, April 8, 2025, signatures were climbing rapidly, reflecting widespread discontent with the airline’s new role. New Haven’s mayor, Justin Elicker, has also weighed in, calling the move “deeply disappointing and disturbing” and at odds with the city’s values.
Public Sentiment Turning Against Deportation Flights
This backlash isn’t unique to the United States. Across the Atlantic, public sentiment in nations like the United Kingdom has similarly turned against commercial operators involved in deportation flights.
In the UK, companies like Titan Airways have faced significant criticism for their roles in transporting asylum seekers and migrants.
Protests, petitions, and campaigns have targeted these operators, with activists arguing that profiting from forced removals is unethical.
The growing resistance has pressured several air operators to reconsider their involvement, showing how public opinion can sway corporate decisions.
Avelo: Customer-Friendly?
For Avelo, the controversy threatens its reputation as a customer-friendly, low-cost carrier. Founded in 2021, the airline has built its brand on affordable travel and community ties.
Now, its pivot to deportation flights under the Trump administration has ignited a firestorm. Critics say it’s a betrayal of the communities it serves, especially in immigrant-heavy areas like New Haven.
Supporters of the airline’s decision, however, argue it’s a legitimate business move, fulfilling a federal contract and boosting revenue.
The petition’s momentum suggests this issue won’t fade quietly. Advocates hope the pressure will force Avelo to back out, mirroring outcomes in the UK where public backlash has occasionally succeeded in halting such operations.
As of now, Avelo has not publicly responded to the petition, leaving its next steps unclear.
This situation highlights a broader tension: the clash between corporate interests and public ethics. With thousands voicing their disapproval—and numbers still rising—Avelo faces a critical choice.
Will it prioritize profit or heed the calls of its customers? For now, the petition stands as a powerful testament to a community unwilling to stay silent.
Avelo declined our request for an interview; providing the following statement:
“Avelo Airlines has signed an agreement for a long-term charter program flying for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Immigration Control and Enforcement agency. Avelo’s DHS operations will be supported by three 737-800s based at Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) starting on May 12. Flights will be both domestic and international to support the Department’s deportation efforts.”
“With this, Avelo will open a base at AZA with Avelo pilots, flight attendants and aircraft technicians, as well as appropriate local leaders. We expect to begin hiring locally for these positions immediately. Current Avelo Crewmembers (employees) will have the first option to transfer to our new AZA base.”
“Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy said, “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.”
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