Avelo Airlines Faces Backlash Over Deportation Flights Agreement

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Avelo Airlines is facing significant backlash after announcing plans to operate deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) beginning May 12. The budget airline, which previously enjoyed a positive reception in Connecticut for its low-cost flights, secured a deal with ICE amid rising financial challenges.

Hundreds of protesters gathered outside Tweed New Haven Airport to voice their anger over the airline’s decision. Activist John Lugo, one of the organizers, called the situation ‘outrageous,’ stating, ‘A company that operates from New Haven, in one of the most welcoming cities for migrants, is now profiting from deporting people.’

Avelo Airlines founder and CEO Andrew Levy acknowledged the situation’s sensitivity in a statement. He emphasized that the charter flights will provide financial stability to the company and maintain jobs for over 1,100 employees. ‘After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service,’ Levy wrote.

Connecticut political leaders have reacted strongly to the announcement. Senior U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed his disappointment during a protest, urging the airline to reconsider its decision. He stated, ‘To the president of Avelo: You really stepped in it. You made a bad mistake.’

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has demanded transparency regarding Avelo’s contract with the Department of Homeland Security. He warned that the state may reconsider its support, including tax breaks, if the airline continues to work with ICE. ‘The state of Connecticut should not support an airline that assists this administration in its unlawful and unconstitutional actions,’ Tong said.

Activists, including former banking executive Tom Cartwright, pointed out that Avelo’s involvement in deportation flights is distinct from other airlines used by ICE. Cartwright noted, ‘Avelo is a regular retail airline that flies to dozens of cities and sells tickets directly to the public. This could change the way the public perceives them.’

In response to the outcry, Avelo Airlines has stated that its operations will not interfere with scheduled passenger flights at the Grand Rapids airport, where they will begin new routes this summer. However, the backlash continues to grow, with protests organized at various airports across the country where Avelo operates.