Avelo Airlines Sparks Protests Over Deportation Flights

US low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines has found itself at the center of controversy after commencing deportation flights in Arizona, leading to widespread protests and calls for a boycott. The airline's partnership with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) came to light during the first flight on May 12, 2025, from Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) near Phoenix.

While Avelo announced its involvement in operating deportations using three 737-800 aircraft in April 2025, specifics regarding the financial terms and destinations remain undisclosed. The company's contract with ICE, established in April, aligns with the previous administration's approach to immigration enforcement, sparking outrage among activists and concerned citizens.

A growing online petition on Change.org urging individuals to boycott Avelo until it ceases participating in what many deem as "cruel deportation practices" has garnered significant support, with over 37,900 signatures. Protests erupted on the same day the inaugural flight took off, with demonstrators gathering outside various airports in Arizona and Connecticut.

In Mesa, a group of more than 30 protesters assembled near the airport, denouncing the airline's involvement in deportations under the Trump administration's policies. A larger gathering of approximately 150 individuals congregated outside Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut, expressing their dissent towards the airline's actions.

John Jairo Lugo, Co-founder and Community Organizing Director of Unidad Latina en Acción (ULA) in New Haven, emphasized the importance of inflicting economic pressure on Avelo through the boycott, stating, "We need to cause some economic damage to the company to really convince them that they should be on the side with the people and not with the government." The calls for accountability continue to grow as activists and advocates push for a reevaluation of Avelo Airlines' involvement in deportation activities.