Avelo Airlines Exits Deportation Business

Avelo Airlines, a budget carrier, announced its decision to cease participation in deportation flights organized by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The airline’s spokesperson, Courtney Goff, confirmed to El-Balad that this move is effective January 27, with the closure of its base in Mesa, Arizona. This decision marks the end of a service that began in May 2022.

Avelo Airlines Exits Deportation Business

Despite the initial financial benefits, Avelo cited high operational complexity and costs as reasons for its exit from the DHS program. The company’s CEO, Andrew Levy, previously stated that the contract was essential for sustaining operations, including flights to New Haven, Connecticut.

Community Reactions

The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Pastor Jack Perkins Davidson from Spring Glen Church commented on the moral implications of the airline’s involvement in deportation flights. He emphasized that aligning with practices that cause human suffering is ultimately unprofitable.

• Community protests occurred outside Tweed New Haven Airport, calling for the cessation of deportation flights.
• Tabitha Sookdeo, director of Connecticut Students for a Dream, praised the community’s efforts and highlighted the power of collective action.

Changes in Operations and Future Plans

Despite ending its deportation service, Avelo Airlines reiterated its long-term commitment to developing Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN). Goff mentioned the airline’s strengthened financial position, which supports further investment in its operational hubs.

• Avelo will maintain a six-aircraft base at Tweed, with no major changes to its employment or network.
• The airline plans to streamline operations at four additional locations: Wilmington, Charlotte, and Lakeland.
• Avelo will open a new base in McKinney, Texas, by late 2026.

The airline will also retire some aircraft from its fleet in favor of more efficient models, reflecting a broader trend towards sustainability in its operations. Avelo aims to support growth by enhancing service at its primary bases.

Continued Flight Services

Avelo will continue to offer flights to 24 destinations directly from Tweed. This includes major cities such as Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Orlando. Since commencing operations from HVN in 2021, Avelo has transported over four million passengers.

As Avelo Airlines exits the deportation business, the airline is positioned to refocus its efforts on enhancing customer service and expanding its travel network while aligning its operations with community values and expectations.