Avelo Airlines began operating deportation flights for ICE in May 2025.
Natasha Decker•Jan 12, 2026
Houston, Texas-based carrier Avelo Airlines announced this month that it will stop providing deportation flights for individuals apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to USA TODAY, the carrier said after January 27, it will no longer operate deportation flights for ICE, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Avelo noted in a statement that conducting the deportation flights ended up not being worth it from a business standpoint. The carrier reportedly said, “The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs.”
Founded in 2021, Avelo Airlines is a low-cost carrier with destinations in the East Coast, Midwest, South, and the Caribbean. Interestingly, an Avelo spokesperson reportedly said that despite the airline’s deportation flights for ICE sparking protests, the carrier had 11% more bookings in 2025 than the year prior.
News of the airline’s federal contract made headlines in April 2025, and its deportation flights began the following month. In a statement to CBS News, DHS highlighted that it will continue its partnership with CSI Aviation, which subcontracted Avelo.
“ICE never contracted directly with Avelo Airlines,” the department reportedly said. “ICE will continue to utilize its contracted service provider, which works with multiple airlines to support the American people’s mandate for mass deportations of criminal illegal aliens.”
According to CNBC, Avelo’s founder and CEO, Andrew Levy, commented on the airline’s federal deal in an email sent to employees earlier this month. He reportedly said, “We moved a portion of our fleet into a government program which promised more financial stability but placed us in the center of a political controversy.”
In addition to stopping its deportation flights, Avelo announced this month that it has been “recapitalized” and will be “streamlining its network.” It will cease operations at Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in Arizona (its hub for the deportation flights), and at Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) and Wilmington International Airport, both in North Carolina.
The carrier is reorienting its network around Tweed New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut; Wilmington Airport (ILG) in Delaware; Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) in North Carolina; and Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) in Florida. Additionally, it’s opening a base at Texas’ McKinney National Airport (TKI) in late 2026.
In the press release, Avelo noted that the changes will affect customers’ experiences. The airline said, “Avelo will make near-term schedule changes that will impact many customer itineraries. Communication will be sent directly to impacted customers by email and text. Customers needing additional help can seek assistance from Avelo’s Customer Support Center.”
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