Airlines initiate expulsion flights for certain individuals
Budget Airline Kicks off Deportation Flights, Stirring Controversy
Hey there! 👋 Here's the scoop on the controversial move by a budget airline.
On Monday, May 12, 2025, Avelo Airlines, a Houston-based low-cost carrier, officially commenced federal deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona. This decision comes under a new federal contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency[1][5].
Avelo, known for primarily serving small U.S. cities, is now participating in a long-term charter program to support ICE's deportation efforts. They will operate these flights with three Boeing 737-800 aircraft based at Mesa Gateway Airport[1]. In the words of Avelo's CEO Andrew Levy, this move aims to help expand the airline and protect jobs, ensuring stability for their operations[1][5].
These flights involve both domestic and international trips related to deportation and began officially on Monday, although the contract took effect on May 12[1][2][3][4]. This move has garnered attention due to the involvement of a commercial airline in deportation flights, which are usually managed by less well-known charter companies[1][3].
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. And remember, every cloud has a silver lining – let's hope this move brings some positive changes for Avelo Airlines!
Insights:- Avelo Airlines is a Houston-based low-cost carrier that primarily serves small U.S. cities.- The airline started conducting federal deportation flights from Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona, under a new federal contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency.- The decision was described by the airline's CEO as an expansion strategy to protect jobs.- The flights involve both domestic and international trips related to deportation.
The expansion strategy of Avelo Airlines, initiated by CEO Andrew Levy, has stirred controversy by participating in a long-term charter program with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency, which involves both domestic and international trips related to finance and business, particularly in the industry of deportation flights.