Key Takeaways
• Avelo Airlines began ICE deportation flights May 12, 2025, using three Boeing 737-800 planes based in Mesa, Arizona.
• Flights operate separately from passenger service; Concord Regional Airport flights remain unaffected per the airline.
• Contract aims to secure 1,100 jobs and stabilize Avelo amid industry competition despite protests and political criticism.
Avelo Airlines’ Deportation Flights: What’s Happening, Why It Matters, and What It Means for Passengers and Communities
Avelo Airlines has started operating deportation flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sparking protests, political criticism, and questions about the impact on its regular passenger service—especially at Concord Regional Airport in North Carolina. The airline insists its new government contract will not affect passenger flights at Concord, but the move has drawn national attention and raised concerns among travelers, immigrant communities, and local officials.
Who is involved?
Avelo Airlines, a growing low-cost carrier in the United States 🇺🇸, has signed a long-term contract with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to operate deportation flights for ICE. These flights began on May 12, 2025, and are based out of Mesa, Arizona. The airline’s CEO, Andrew Levy, says this contract is necessary to keep the company stable and protect jobs.
What is happening?
Avelo is using three of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, out of a total fleet of 20, to fly migrants from the United States 🇺🇸 to countries like El Salvador and Guatemala. The planes used for these flights do not have the Avelo logo and are not used for regular passenger service at Concord Regional Airport or other commercial routes. The airline says its passenger flights at Concord and other hubs will continue as usual.
When did this start?
The first deportation flight under the new contract took place on May 12, 2025, flying from Arizona to El Salvador. Since then, Avelo has expanded its deportation operations to include daily flights to Guatemala and other destinations, with stops at several U.S. airports.
Where are the flights based?
All deportation flights are based out of Mesa, Arizona, at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport. Avelo has set up a new hub there specifically for these operations. The company says there is no crossover between the deportation flights and its passenger flights at Concord Regional Airport or other locations.
Why is Avelo doing this?
According to CEO Andrew Levy, the contract with DHS provides financial stability at a time when competition in the airline industry is fierce. The company says the extra income from the government contract will help it keep more than 1,100 employees working and allow it to expand its regular passenger service.
How are the flights conducted?
ICE has strict rules for deportation flights. Adults are fully restrained with handcuffs, waist chains, and leg irons during the flights. Children are also restrained, though the exact methods may differ. The planes used for these flights do not display Avelo’s branding. All operations are managed from ICE Air Operations headquarters in Mesa, Arizona.
Let’s break down the details, the controversy, and what this means for different groups.
How Avelo’s Deportation Flights Work
Avelo Airlines’ deportation flights are part of a government program run by ICE Air Operations. Here’s how the process works:
- Dedicated Aircraft: Three Boeing 737-800 planes are set aside for deportation flights only. These planes are not used for regular passenger routes, including those at Concord Regional Airport.
- Flight Routes: The flights start from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona. They have flown to El Salvador and, starting May 27, 2025, to Guatemala’s La Aurora International Airport. Some flights stop at other U.S. airports, such as El Paso International Airport, before heading to their final destination.
- Daily Operations: Since May 13, 2025, daily flights labeled XP47 have been running, serving western U.S. airports like:
- Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego
- Yakima Air Terminal in Washington
- Denver International Airport
- Harry Reid International Airport in Nevada
- Security Procedures: All adults are restrained with handcuffs, waist chains, and leg irons for the entire flight. Children are also restrained, though ICE has not shared full details about these procedures.
- No Company Branding: The planes used for deportation flights do not have the Avelo Airlines logo, making them look different from the company’s regular passenger planes.
Official government information about ICE Air Operations and deportation flights can be found on the ICE Air Operations page.
Company’s Position: Why Avelo Signed the Contract
Avelo Airlines’ leadership says the decision to operate deportation flights was not taken lightly. CEO Andrew Levy explained that the contract with DHS is important for the airline’s financial health:
“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.”
The airline has faced tough competition, especially at Tweed Airport in Connecticut, and says the extra income from the government contract will help it survive and grow. Avelo is also hiring new flight attendants for these operations, offering $28 per hour for the first year.
Key points from Avelo’s statement:
– The deportation flights are separate from regular passenger flights.
– No planes used for deportation flights will be used for passenger service at Concord Regional Airport.
– The contract helps protect jobs and allows the company to expand its passenger routes.
Political and Community Response
Avelo’s involvement in deportation flights has sparked strong reactions from politicians, community leaders, and the public.
Political Criticism
- Senators Speak Out: On May 16, 2025, U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) sent a letter to Avelo’s CEO, criticizing the airline’s partnership with ICE. They accused the Trump Administration of trying to deport immigrants “without due process, in violation of the Constitution and federal immigration law.”
- Legal Concerns: The senators pointed to cases where the administration allegedly ignored court orders, such as the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to El Salvador despite a judge’s order to stop the removal.
- State Attorney General: Connecticut Attorney General William Tong wrote to Avelo on April 8, 2025, expressing “deep disappointment” and asking for more information about the company’s deportation flight policies.
Community Protests
- Faith Leaders Protest: On May 12, 2025, more than a dozen faith leaders from different religious groups gathered outside Tweed New Haven Airport to protest Avelo’s first deportation flight.
- Earlier Demonstrations: Protests also took place at Tweed on April 7 and April 17, with about 50 people at the first event. During the April 17 protest, Senator Blumenthal urged Avelo to “do the right thing” and end its contract with the federal government.
- Public Boycott: An online petition calling for a boycott of Avelo Airlines has collected nearly 37,800 signatures as of mid-May.
Analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that the controversy could affect Avelo’s reputation, especially in communities with large immigrant populations or strong feelings about immigration policy.
Impact on Avelo’s Business and Operations
Avelo’s contract with ICE has led to several changes in its business operations:
- Closing West Coast Base: The airline is closing its base at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport and ending some West Coast routes to make room for the new government contract.
- New Hub in Arizona: Avelo has set up a new hub at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport specifically for deportation flights.
- Passenger Service Continues: Despite the controversy, Avelo continues to operate passenger flights from eight hubs across the United States 🇺🇸, including Concord Regional Airport in North Carolina.
- Expansion Plans: The airline recently announced new nonstop service from New Haven to Maine, showing that it still plans to grow its passenger business.
What About Concord Regional Airport?
Avelo has made it clear that its deportation flight operations will not affect passenger service at Concord Regional Airport. The planes used for deportation flights are separate, and the company says Concord will continue to see regular passenger flights as usual.
For travelers using Concord Regional Airport:
– No changes are expected to Avelo’s passenger flight schedule.
– The controversy over deportation flights does not involve the airport’s regular operations.
– Passengers can continue to book and fly on Avelo’s regular routes from Concord.
Historical Context: Avelo’s Charter Operations and Growth
Avelo Airlines is not new to charter operations. Before rebranding as Avelo in 2021, the company operated as Casino Express Airlines, flying charter flights for different clients. Some reports say Avelo also flew deportation flights for ICE during the Biden administration, but these did not receive as much public attention.
The airline has grown quickly, especially at Tweed Airport in Connecticut, where passenger numbers jumped from 50,000 in 2019 to about 600,000 today.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Immigrants and Their Families
- Fear and Uncertainty: The use of commercial airlines for deportation flights can increase fear among immigrant communities, especially if they worry about being targeted or separated from family members.
- Legal Concerns: Reports of deportations happening despite court orders raise questions about due process and legal rights for immigrants.
For Passengers
- No Direct Impact at Concord: Passengers flying from Concord Regional Airport should not see any changes to their flights or service because of the deportation flights.
- Reputation and Choice: Some travelers may choose to avoid Avelo because of its involvement in deportation flights, while others may not be affected by the news.
For Employees
- Job Security: The contract with DHS is meant to protect jobs and keep the company stable during tough times in the airline industry.
- New Opportunities: Avelo is hiring flight attendants for the deportation flights, offering competitive pay.
For Local Communities
- Protests and Public Debate: The controversy has led to protests and calls for boycotts, especially in areas with large immigrant populations or strong feelings about immigration policy.
- Economic Impact: If the controversy leads to fewer passengers, local airports and businesses could be affected.
What Happens Next?
Avelo Airlines’ decision to operate deportation flights for ICE has created a complex situation. The company says it needs the contract to stay financially healthy and protect jobs, but the move has sparked protests, political criticism, and public debate.
Key things to watch:
– Whether Avelo’s passenger numbers are affected by the controversy.
– How the company responds to ongoing protests and political pressure.
– If other airlines follow Avelo’s lead or avoid similar contracts.
– The impact on immigrant communities and their relationship with local airports.
Practical Guidance for Readers
- If you are a passenger: You can continue to book and fly on Avelo’s regular routes from Concord Regional Airport and other hubs. The deportation flights do not use the same planes or affect the passenger schedule.
- If you are concerned about immigration enforcement: Stay informed about your rights and any changes in immigration policy. Official resources are available on the ICE Air Operations page.
- If you want to express your opinion: You can contact Avelo Airlines, your elected officials, or join community groups to share your views about the company’s involvement in deportation flights.
- If you work for Avelo or are considering a job: The company is hiring for both passenger and deportation flight crews. Be aware of the different roles and responsibilities involved.
Avelo Airlines’ new role in deportation flights highlights the complex relationship between business decisions, government contracts, and community values. While the company insists that passenger service at Concord Regional Airport and other hubs will not be affected, the debate over its involvement in immigration enforcement is likely to continue. Passengers, employees, and communities will need to weigh the facts and decide how to respond as the situation develops.
Learn Today
Deportation flights → Flights arranged by government to remove migrants from the U.S. to their home countries.
ICE → U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, agency managing deportations and immigration enforcement.
Boeing 737-800 → A narrow-body commercial airplane model used by Avelo for both passenger and deportation flights.
Mesa, Arizona → Location of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, base for Avelo’s deportation flight operations.
DHS → Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. government department overseeing immigration and border security.
This Article in a Nutshell
Avelo Airlines now flies deportation charters for ICE from Arizona, sparking protests. Passenger flights at Concord remain unchanged, yet the contract supports company jobs despite controversy. The airline uses separate planes for deportations, highlighting complex relations between corporate strategy, government contracts, and community reactions to immigration enforcement.
— By VisaVerge.com
