Avelo Airlines Ends West Coast Operations Citing Financial Strain

Avelo Airlines, a budget carrier that signed a contract with President Donald Trump's administration to operate deportation flights, announced it will cease all West Coast operations by December 2025 due to ongoing financial challenges. The airline will end flights from California, Oregon, Washington, and Montana, including its original base at Hollywood Burbank Airport, where it had operated for over four years. CEO Andrew Levy cited inadequate financial returns in a highly competitive market as the primary reason for the shutdown, while also dismissing protests against the ICE contract as unrelated to the decision. Despite the closure of West Coast hubs, Avelo plans to focus on expanding its East Coast operations in states such as North Carolina, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Florida. The airline's West Coast operations had been significant, with Burbank flights accounting for one-third of its customers and having flown its one millionth passenger in 2023. Staff based in California will be offered transfers to other locations as the company reallocates its fleet to areas with better long-term growth prospects.