Avelo Airlines is under fire after launching deportation flights from Arizona in partnership with the U.S. government. On Monday, the airline began transporting detainees from Mesa Gateway Airport. The move drew heavy criticism and protests. At the center of the controversy is the phrase profits over people, now repeated across the nation.
The Houston-based airline confirmed it will use three Boeing 737-800 aircraft for these operations. CEO Andrew Levy defended the deal, saying it would grow the company and support jobs. However, the backlash has been swift and intense. Critics accuse Avelo of profiting from a political agenda aimed at mass deportations.
Online, a boycott petition has gained traction. Protesters also gathered in both Arizona and Connecticut. In New Haven, over 150 people rallied outside Tweed New Haven Airport. They held signs and urged travelers to avoid Avelo. Local leaders joined in. Mayor Justin Elicker called the decision contrary to community values.
Flight attendants voiced alarm as well. The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA warned of serious safety risks. Shackled passengers could delay emergency evacuations and worsen medical crises. “We cannot do our jobs in these conditions,” their statement read.
Avelo, launched in 2021, was originally known for budget travel to underserved cities. The airline gained attention for using older jets and flying out of smaller airports. Yet this latest move has shifted its public image. Many now view the company as choosing profits over people in pursuit of expansion.
Neither Avelo nor ICE released details of the deportation contract. Reporters requested the agreement but received no response. Mesa is one of five major ICE hubs, already responsible for thousands of deportation flights annually. Typically, these flights are operated by charter-only carriers.
Avelo’s decision marks a shift. It is one of the few passenger airlines directly involved in deportations. This role sets it apart and intensifies scrutiny. The contract came via CSI Aviation, a New Mexico firm that subcontracts to air carriers. However, the financial terms remain undisclosed.
Community groups continue pushing back. Protesters hope financial pressure will force Avelo to withdraw. “We need to make it hurt economically,” said activist John Jairo Lugo. His group plans to keep organizing until the airline cuts ties with ICE.
Despite its growth, Avelo’s future reputation now hangs in the balance. While the company eyes profits, the public debate centers on profits over people. For many, this phrase captures the core issue. As the protests continue, Avelo faces a defining moment in its short history.
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