Budget airline to end deportation flights out of Arizona
Avelo Airlines announced it will stop operating deportation flights out of Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona, saying the program’s operational complexity and costs meant it did not produce consistent, predictable revenue. The budget carrier – founded in 2021 and headquartered in houston – signed a contract with the Department of Homeland Security in April 2025 to carry out the chartered removals, but protests and criticism followed the decision to participate. Avelo’s Mesa operation is slated to cease on Jan. 27, though the date of the final DHS-scheduled deportation flight is not yet known. The company said the work initially provided short-term benefits but ultimately failed to justify continued involvement, while stressing its priority remains safe, timely service for customers and employment for its more than 1,100 crewmembers. The announcement came a day after reports that a Hilton in Minneapolis canceled reservations for ICE officers.
Budget airline to end deportation flights out of Arizona
A budget airline announced on Tuesday it was ending deportation flights as part of its operations.
Avelo Airlines revealed that it would halt its deportation flights out of Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona, for the Department of Homeland Security. The airline cited costs associated with the operations as the reason for its decision.
“The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs,” said a spokesperson from Avelo Airlines regarding the decision to end the illegal immigration enforcement flights.
The airline’s decision to end the flights comes a day after it was revealed that a Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis canceled reservations of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
The company’s Mesa location is scheduled to cease operations on Jan. 27, according to reports. However, it is currently unknown when the last deportation flight will occur from the location, as the flights are scheduled by the Department of Homeland Security.
Avelo Airlines is a budget-friendly, affordable airline company that began in 2021. The company’s headquarters are located in Houston. The company prides itself on its low prices, reliability, convenience, and superior customer service, according to its website.
In April 2025, Avelo signed a contract with DHS to carry out the deportation flights. “We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic,” said Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy at the time. “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.”
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The decision to use its planes for deportations was met with criticism and protests.
“We recognize the right of individuals to peacefully assemble and assert their freedom of speech,” a spokesperson said regarding the protests. “Avelo’s main priority continues to be maintaining the safety and timeliness of our operation that over 8.6 million customers continue to enjoy.”
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