A budget airlines company 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 company 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.
Avelo Airlines’s decision to end the flights comes a day after it was revealed a Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis, Minnesota, 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 as to when the last deportation flight will occur from the location since 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, Texas. 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.”
DHS SAYS HILTON INTENTIONALLY CANCELED ICE OFFICER HOTEL RESERVATIONS
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.”