**Avelo Airlines to Operate Federal Deportation Flights from Arizona**
**Avelo Airlines has announced plans to begin federal deportation flights from Arizona starting in May, a decision that has sparked controversy.**
The budget airline, founded by Andrew Levy, who also serves as CEO, will operate these flights under a long-term charter program for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Levy stated that this move is intended to aid the airline’s expansion and safeguard jobs, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the topic.
Avelo will utilize three Boeing 737-800 aircraft based at Mesa Gateway Airport for both domestic and international flights, as outlined in a company statement. An online job listing for the Arizona operation specifies that these flights will support DHS’s deportation efforts.
Tom Cartwright, a flight data analyst with the advocacy group Witness at the Border, noted that he has not seen any other commercial airlines providing such flights for ICE in the past five years. He described Avelo’s decision as “unusual,” as typically lesser-known charter companies handle these types of flights. “They may operate a flight with all migrants today and then fly fans to the Masters golf tournament tomorrow,” he explained, emphasizing that these charter companies do not sell tickets in a retail manner like Avelo.
In New Haven, Connecticut, where Avelo operates from Tweed New Haven Airport, Democratic Mayor Justin Elicker expressed his disapproval of the airline’s decision. He reached out to Levy over the weekend, urging him to reconsider the arrangement. “Avelo Airlines’ decision to charter deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona is deeply disappointing and disturbing,” Elicker stated. “For a company that champions itself as ‘New Haven’s hometown airline,’ this business decision is antithetical to New Haven’s values. Travel should be about bringing people together, not tearing families apart.”
An immigrant rights group in New Haven is mobilizing support for a boycott of the airline through an online petition. ICE has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding this development.
**Conclusion**
Avelo Airlines’ decision to operate federal deportation flights has raised significant concerns among community leaders and advocacy groups. As the airline moves forward with this controversial program, the implications for its reputation and community relations remain to be seen.
**FAQ**
**What is Avelo Airlines planning to do in Arizona?**
Avelo Airlines plans to operate federal deportation flights for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s ICE agency starting in May, using three Boeing 737-800 aircraft based at Mesa Gateway Airport.
