A Budget Carrier Said It Would Start ICE Deportation Flights. Now, It’s Facing Backlash

Avelo’s decision to carry out deportation flights for ICE is unusual and risky for a commercial carrier. Typically, these are operated by charter airlines, most of which are not known to the public.

Avelo Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier, said this week it would start carrying out deportation flights for Immigration Control and Enforcement out of Mesa, Arizona.

The agreement with ICE is unusual for a commercial carrier. Typically, ICE has agreements for deportation flights with charter airlines, most of which are not known to the public.

Avelo plans to operate these flights out of Mesa Gateway Airport, starting on May 12. Three Boeing 737-800s will be used, and Avelo said it would operate both domestic and international flights for the agency. Job postings for flight attendant, aircraft maintenance and technician roles based in Mesa, Arizona have since been posted online.

GlobalX, a charter airline that carried out the controversial deportations of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, also operates deportation flights out of Mesa Gateway Airport.

Avelo CEO Andrew Levy said the contract with ICE would provide the company more stability. Avelo’s business model is a common one for ultra-low-cost carriers, in which it operates out of