HOUSTON- Avelo Airlines (XP), an American ultra-low-cost airline headquartered in Houston, Texas, is encountering significant public protest after it agreed to conduct deportation flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
A petition calling for the boycott of Avelo Airlines (XP) has gathered approximately 30,000 signatures. The protest targets the airline’s agreement to work with federal immigration authorities in implementing President Trump’s mass deportation plans. The carrier now faces a growing boycott movement that has gained substantial momentum in recent weeks.
Photo: Albany AirportAvelo Airlines Boycott Movement
Avelo Airlines (XP) has experienced remarkable growth at New Haven’s Tweed Airport (HVN). It expanded from just 50,000 passengers in 2019 to approximately 600,000 today.
The carrier now serves 31 destinations and has expanded operations to include Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Connecticut. Their combination of convenient local service and affordable fares has created a loyal customer base. This made their ICE contract particularly jarring to many supporters.
Charter flights have long been part of Avelo’s business model, transporting sports teams and tour groups and even conducting deportation flights during the Biden administration without public backlash.
The airline’s origins trace back to Casino Express (later Xtra Airlines), which specialized in flying gamblers to Nevada. They’ve also provided charter services for political campaigns, including Hillary Clinton’s in 2016.
Photo- WikipediaDeportation Plans
Beginning next month in May, Avelo Airlines (XP) will allocate 3 of its 20 Boeing 737 aircraft for operations out of Mesa, Arizona. These planes will transport deportees to various locations within the United States and internationally, potentially including El Salvador, where some deportees may be delivered to prison.
Petition
The New Haven Immigrants Coalition started the petition this week, demanding that Avelo end its federal contract. Nearly 30,000 people have signed a petition calling for a boycott of Avelo Airlines (XP).
“We demand that AVELO AIR halt plans to carry out deportation flights in cooperation with the Trump Administration. We pledge to boycott the airline until they stop plans to profit off ICE flights that are tearing families and communities apart.”
Group Petition
Photo: AveloCriticisms
Critics point to cases like that of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland father who was reportedly deported to El Salvador despite having a protective order against his removal.
Concerns have also been raised about detention conditions and prisons, with some immigration facilities described as “hell on earth”. Reports indicate that some legally authorized workers have been detained during recent enforcement operations.
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker expressed strong disapproval of Avelo Airlines’ deportation flight contract in his comments to the New Haven Independent. The Democratic mayor described the airline’s decision as “deeply disappointing and disturbing.”
“This business decision contradicts New Haven’s values, especially for a company that markets itself as ‘New Haven’s hometown airline… Travel should connect people, not separate families.”
Justin Elicker, New Haven Mayor
The mayor revealed he contacted Avelo CEO Andrew Levy during the weekend to voice his opposition and encourage the airline to reconsider the agreement.
Photo: Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Avelo AirAirline Defends Federal Contract
Avelo Airlines (XP) has responded to the criticism-
“We acknowledge the weight of these concerns and have received the feedback. Regardless of the administration or party affiliation, as a U.S. flag carrier, when our country calls and requests assistance, our practice is to say yes.”
Courtney Goff, Avelo Airlines spokesperson
The airline claims it also performed deportation flights during the Biden administration, though neither the company nor federal authorities provided details about those operations.
Avelo CEO Andrew Levy acknowledged that deportation flights represent a “sensitive and complicated topic.” He stated that the contract would provide financial stability for the airline and help maintain jobs for its more than 1,100 employees.
Connecticut’s Leverage
Connecticut has supported Avelo Airlines (XP) through aviation fuel tax exemptions, while New Haven has celebrated the airline as a local success story, despite its official Texas headquarters. However, the recent ICE contract announcement has dramatically shifted public and governmental attitudes toward the company.
Connecticut-based advocates believe they have the leverage to pressure Avelo Airlines (XP) into canceling its federal contract. The state granted the airline fuel tax breaks in 2023, which the company’s Chief Financial Officer Hunter Keavy credited as a major business driver.
“We are now 77% bigger in Connecticut compared to only 7% bigger outside the state,” Keavy wrote to Connecticut legislators in February.
“State taxpayers are helping prop that company up and keep that company operational. But then they turn around and they are then using those same planes that we’re helping to subsidize, to deport individuals out of this country.”
Steven Stafstrom, State Representative
Industry experts note that commercial airlines rarely conduct deportation flights. These operations are typically handled by immigration authorities, the U.S. military, or specialized charter airlines, according to Thomas Cartwright of the immigrant rights group Witness at the Border.
Photo: AveloBottom Line: Ethical Complexity
The Avelo Airlines (XP) controversy highlights a broader question about the role of commercial airlines in immigration enforcement. While deportation is a legal function of the government, the involvement of commercial carriers raises important ethical considerations.
From a business perspective, Avelo’s decision brings short-term financial stability through a government contract but potentially damages their brand reputation and community relationships. The company now faces boycotts, potential loss of state tax benefits, and criticism from officials in communities they serve.
The aviation industry operates in a complex intersection of business, government policy, and public sentiment.
What do you think? Is it reasonable for communities to expect airlines operating in their cities to align with local values, or should business decisions be made solely on financial grounds? Comment and let us know!
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
US Deports Illegal Indian Immigrants: 2 More Flights Scheduled for Amritsar
The post Over 30,000 People Protesting Against this US Airline, Why? appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
