Avelo Airlines Faces Backlash Over ICE Deportation Flights

Avelo Airlines is facing significant backlash after announcing a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to operate deportation flights, starting May 12, 2025. This decision has prompted nearly 32,000 people to sign a petition urging a boycott of the airline, particularly in its largest hub of New Haven, Connecticut, where community protests have emerged. Opponents argue that the flights profit from human suffering and threaten to deport legal residents, contradicting Avelo's previously community-friendly image. CEO Andrew Levy has defended the contract as essential for the airline's financial stability, asserting it will help maintain operations and protect jobs. Critics, however, contend that prioritizing profit over ethics risks alienating Avelo's customer base and harming its reputation. The situation highlights a growing tension between operational decisions and community values in the airline industry.