Avelo Airlines Cuts Ties with DHS, Ending Deportation Flights Amid Financial Strains.
Low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines has announced that it will no longer participate in deportation flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing financial struggles as the main reason behind its decision. The move comes as a relief to immigration advocates who have been critical of the airline's involvement in the enforcement efforts.
Avelo Airlines had partnered with ICE through a contract that supported the agency's immigration enforcement activities. However, the deal reportedly failed to deliver sufficient revenue for the airline, which was operating at a financial disadvantage due to the operational complexity and costs associated with handling deportation flights.
As a result, Avelo has decided to shut down its hub at Mesa Gateway Airport in Phoenix, where its migrant flight operation was based. The company stated that it will conclude participation in the DHS charter program by January 27, effectively ending its involvement in deportation flights.
ICE has denied contracting directly with Avelo Airlines, instead stating that it uses a subcontracted service provider to support its deportation efforts. However, immigration advocates have welcomed the airline's decision to end its contract, citing concerns over the impact of deportation flights on immigrant families and workers.
The Indivisible Project, a nonprofit group that has been critical of Avelo's involvement in enforcement efforts, praised the airline's move, saying that it was "a victory for communities across the country who spoke out against this toxic partnership."
Avelo Airlines' decision to end its deportation flights is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the role of private companies in supporting government agencies. As the airline shifts its focus towards low-cost commercial flights, it remains to be seen whether other carriers will follow suit in ending their involvement with ICE's charter program.
Low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines has announced that it will no longer participate in deportation flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing financial struggles as the main reason behind its decision. The move comes as a relief to immigration advocates who have been critical of the airline's involvement in the enforcement efforts.
Avelo Airlines had partnered with ICE through a contract that supported the agency's immigration enforcement activities. However, the deal reportedly failed to deliver sufficient revenue for the airline, which was operating at a financial disadvantage due to the operational complexity and costs associated with handling deportation flights.
As a result, Avelo has decided to shut down its hub at Mesa Gateway Airport in Phoenix, where its migrant flight operation was based. The company stated that it will conclude participation in the DHS charter program by January 27, effectively ending its involvement in deportation flights.
ICE has denied contracting directly with Avelo Airlines, instead stating that it uses a subcontracted service provider to support its deportation efforts. However, immigration advocates have welcomed the airline's decision to end its contract, citing concerns over the impact of deportation flights on immigrant families and workers.
The Indivisible Project, a nonprofit group that has been critical of Avelo's involvement in enforcement efforts, praised the airline's move, saying that it was "a victory for communities across the country who spoke out against this toxic partnership."
Avelo Airlines' decision to end its deportation flights is seen as a significant development in the ongoing debate over immigration enforcement and the role of private companies in supporting government agencies. As the airline shifts its focus towards low-cost commercial flights, it remains to be seen whether other carriers will follow suit in ending their involvement with ICE's charter program.
I think this is a super big deal for immigrant families! Avelo Airlines just saved themselves some serious cash by quitting deportation flights 
and now they can focus on making money from flying regular people 
. It's also kinda cool that The Indivisible Project got all hyped about it 
, 'cause it shows that ppl are speaking out against these toxic partnerships 
. Now we just gotta wait and see if other airlines follow suit 
.
they were already struggling financially but the costs of doing those flights must've been too much to handle, you feel? now that they're outta that contract they can focus on making some actual money flying people around the country instead of getting pulled into all this immigration drama 
. It's not like they were making bank off those deportation flights or anything. And honestly, it's kinda good to see some companies being like "you know what? We're outta here" when it comes to something as contentious as this. But at the same time, I'm curious to see if other airlines will follow suit...or if they'll just keep on cooperating with ICE regardless of how bad it is for their bottom line 
. I mean, they're not admitting defeat or anything, they're just saying they can't make ends meet with the contract 
. Still, kudos to immigration advocates for speaking out and pushing for change 
! Maybe other airlines will take note and re-think their involvement with ICE too 
.
just heard that Avelo Airlines is outta the deportation flight business! 
finally, some good news for immigrant families and workers who've been dealing with all this stress over flights. I'm loving it when companies prioritize profits over profits-over-conscience deals 
guess this means we'll see some other airlines follow suit? Fingers crossed for a more compassionate aviation industry 
Avelo Airlines making this huge move is a big win for immigration advocates 
! They didn't want those deportation flights touching down on American soil 
, and now they don't have to 
. Less money for enforcement means less harm to families 
& workers who just want to live their lives without fear 
. This is a win for humanity 
, no matter what others say 
this is like, awesome news for actual human beings! I mean, think about all the times those deportation flights flew overhead and we were like "oh no what's going on" now Avelo gets to just fly people around without having to deal with all that drama 
Avelo airlines just broke free from that toxic contract with ICE and I'm loving it 
now we gotta see if other carriers will follow suit 
. The airline had some legit financial issues too, but still, it's crazy how they were able to make money off of deportation flights 
.
. And I love that the Indivisible Project is hyping this move as a victory for communities 
. I think this is a win-win for everyone involved - the airline gets to focus on its core business and immigrants get relief from deportation flights 
. It's crazy how complex these issues are, like, one minute you're flying low-cost, next you're dealing with immigration enforcement 
.
. Avelo Airlines just pulled out of that network, citing financial strains as the reason 
. The Indivisible Project's statement about it being a "victory" resonates with me too 
. Time will tell if other airlines will fill the gap and create a more stable system 
.
Anyway, it's a win for the immigration advocates who were all like "this is super bad" and Avelo just listened and was like "you know what, we're outta here".