(NEW HAVEN, CONNECTICUT) — If you fly Avelo Airlines out of Tweed-New Haven Airport, expect a louder end-of-year spotlight on the carrier this weekend, as immigrant rights groups plan protests over Avelo’s role in ICE deportation flights. The demonstration is set for Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. outside the airport, even though no deportation flights operate from Tweed.
Why Tweed is the target
Organizers say the goal is to pressure Avelo to end charter flying tied to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Avelo’s ICE-related work is based in Mesa, Arizona, through a third-party charter specialist, CSI Aviation. Still, activists are targeting Tweed because it functions as Avelo’s East Coast hub and is a visible local touchpoint.
- The Connecticut event is promoted by MA/CT Stop Avelo.
- Organizer James Salsich described the campaign as an effort to prevent deportation flights from becoming “normalized,” calling the practice “highly immoral.”
- Similar protests are planned the same day at airports in Florida, Maryland, Michigan, and North Carolina.
- The boycott has an online component: more than 40,200 people have signed a Change.org pledge to boycott Avelo until it ends ICE charters.
Avelo has said it respects the right to protest and emphasized that it does not hold a direct ICE contract. Instead, the airline operates flights arranged through CSI Aviation.
Political and regulatory scrutiny
Connecticut officials and federal lawmakers have weighed in:
- Attorney General William Tong sent letters in April questioning the use of restraints on non-violent passengers and asking about evacuation procedures.
- On Dec. 26, Tong sharply criticized Avelo’s leadership, saying he was “very disappointed” with the company’s responsiveness and urging the state to re-examine partnerships.
“I was very disappointed with the company’s responsiveness,” — Attorney General William Tong (Dec. 26 statement)
- In Washington, Sens. Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) previously demanded transparency from Avelo CEO Andrew Levy. Their May 2025 letter raised concerns about due process and the lack of clarity around the charter operation.
What travelers should expect on Dec. 28
The immediate impact is less about canceled flights and more about the airport experience. Tweed is small, and access roads can bottleneck quickly on busy days. A protest near the entrance can slow drop-offs, pickups, and parking.
⚠️ Heads Up: If you’re flying out of Tweed on Sunday afternoon, arrive earlier than usual and plan for road delays near the terminal.
Practical tips:
– Arrive 30–45 minutes earlier than normal on Dec. 28.
– Consider scheduling rideshare pickups away from the terminal curb to avoid traffic backups.
– Allow extra time for parking and security lines, especially if roads are congested.
Tweed vs. Bradley — what matters for Connecticut travelers
Avelo is reshaping its Connecticut footprint: the airline will end service at Hartford’s Bradley International Airport on Jan. 25, 2026, citing low demand. That makes Tweed more central for Connecticut flyers who prefer Avelo’s low fares and point-to-point network.
Here’s a quick comparison to help choose between Tweed and Bradley:
| Factor | Tweed-New Haven (HVN) | Bradley (BDL) |
|---|---|---|
| Avelo presence | Core East Coast focus city | Avelo exiting Jan. 25, 2026 |
| Typical experience | Small terminal, quick curb-to-gate | Larger airport, more buffer and amenities |
| Alternate airlines | Limited vs big hubs | More majors and network depth |
| Sunday Dec. 28 consideration | Protest scheduled outside airport | No related event announced |
Impact on Avelo’s business and passengers
Avelo’s business model relies on low-cost flying with simple add-ons. Boycotts and reputational pressure tend to affect discretionary travelers first, which can lead to:
- Lower demand on thin leisure routes
- Possible route trimming or reduced frequencies if softness persists
That said, there is no indication of route cancellations tied to the protests. The planned action is aimed at reputational pressure, not operational disruption. However, persistent, multi-state controversy can attract airline attention and potential business consequences.
Competitive context:
– Ultra-low-cost carriers have historically taken charter work, including government-related flying, though most keep those operations separate from their public brand.
– Avelo’s smaller size and strong community identity at Tweed make it more vulnerable to local political fallout than larger network carriers.
Advice for frequent flyers and those traveling on visas
For frequent flyers and points collectors:
– Avelo does not operate a traditional points-based loyalty program (like AAdvantage or SkyMiles).
– Decisions are primarily about cash price vs. flexibility, not elite status or award charts.
If you book Avelo during heightened scrutiny, pay attention to fare rules and add-ons:
1. Consider a bundle that includes seat selection and a carry-on if you need both.
2. Use a credit card that offers trip delay and cancellation coverage, if available.
3. Screenshot receipts and add-ons, since ULCC pricing is very modular.
Immigration communities are especially attentive because travelers on visas (e.g., H-1B workers) may want to avoid trips that risk delays, missed connections, or extra scrutiny at re-entry. While the protest is not a government checkpoint, congestion at a small airport can still create real travel stress.
Bottom line
The larger political debate over ICE-related charters will continue into 2026. For this weekend, the practical move is simple:
- If you’re flying out of Tweed on Sunday, Dec. 28, arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes earlier than usual and consider alternative pickup spots to avoid curbside traffic backups.
Immigrant rights groups are organizing a multi-state protest against Avelo Airlines for its role in ICE deportation charters. While Avelo’s ICE work is managed via CSI Aviation in Arizona, activists are targeting Tweed-New Haven Airport, Avelo’s primary East Coast hub. Politicians have joined the scrutiny, questioning safety and ethics. Travelers at Tweed this Sunday should prepare for entrance delays and plan for an earlier arrival at the terminal.
