Avelo Airlines Cuts Sonoma County Routes, Plans Deportation Flights

Avelo Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier based in Houston, is facing significant backlash following its decision to conduct deportation flights for the Trump administration starting in May. Tens of thousands have signed a petition calling for a boycott, and protests have occurred at Tweed New Haven Airport amid concerns voiced by Connecticut's Attorney General regarding the airline's contract with ICE. Concurrently, Avelo announced it would cut its operations at Sonoma County's Charles M. Schulz Airport, citing poor financial performance, while maintaining only four of its previous eight routes. The airline's CEO stated that the charter flights would provide the stability needed to sustain ongoing operations and employment for its crew members. Critics, including local leaders, have expressed their opposition to the charter agreement, urging the airline to reconsider its business strategy. Avelo's decisions have raised ethical concerns among communities affected by its new role in immigration enforcement.