Avelo Airlines is ending its contract with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency for deportation flights. The airline will cease its participation in the DHS charter program by January 27, according to an Avelo spokesperson.
This decision follows significant public protests and government scrutiny, despite the airline reporting a record number of commercial passengers in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Avelo Airlines will stop all ICE deportation flights by January 27.
- The airline is closing its Mesa, Arizona base, where these flights operated.
- Avelo stated the program did not provide consistent revenue despite short-term benefits.
- The decision comes after nationwide protests and local government resolutions.
- Avelo plans a broader restructuring, including reduced routes at Wilmington Airport.
Avelo Cites Revenue Issues for Program Termination
Avelo Airlines confirmed on January 7 that it will conclude its involvement in the DHS charter program. The flights, which transported individuals for ICE, were operated from the airline's base in Mesa Gateway Airport, Arizona. This base is also scheduled for closure as part of the airline's restructuring plan.
Courtney Goff, an Avelo spokesperson, explained the reasoning behind the decision. She stated, "The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational complexity and costs."
Quick Fact
Avelo Airlines began operating deportation charters for DHS on May 12, 2025, using three Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Public Outcry and Government Resolutions
The airline's initial announcement in April 2025 to begin these charter flights sparked immediate controversy. Protests erupted across the country, with numerous demonstrations occurring outside Wilmington Airport, a key hub for Avelo.
The deal also drew criticism from government bodies in Delaware. Last month, members of the state Senate introduced a resolution. This resolution called for increased scrutiny over contracts and incentives with companies collaborating with ICE. It signaled discontent with Avelo's involvement in deportation efforts.
"This is a significant step toward ensuring that our infrastructure is used to connect people, not to facilitate the separation of families."
The Wilmington City Council also approved a similar resolution in November 2025. It urged city departments to end any relationships with companies that work with ICE. While the city itself does not hold contracts with Avelo, this move highlighted local opposition.
Background on Wilmington Airport
Wilmington Airport is managed by the Delaware River and Bay Authority, a bi-state agency. This structure limits the direct power of the state legislature over airport operations and its contracts.
Commercial Service Unaffected by Controversy
Despite the public and governmental pushback regarding the deportation flights, Avelo's commercial passenger service reportedly remained strong. Courtney Goff stated that the controversial deal did not negatively impact consumers' choice to fly with the airline.
"In 2025, Avelo carried a record 2.6 million customers on scheduled commercial service," Goff said. This figure represents an 11% increase compared to 2024, achieved with minimal seat growth. The airline's load factor also increased from the previous year.
Goff attributed this continued customer embrace to Avelo's combination of "everyday low fares, easy and convenient to use base airports, delivered with leading reliability."
Broader Restructuring and Local Impact
The decision to end the deportation flights is part of a larger restructuring plan for Avelo Airlines. This plan includes closing multiple bases across the country and reducing its overall fleet size. As a direct consequence, Avelo will reduce its routes at Wilmington Airport near New Castle, decreasing them from 14 to 10.
Protest organizer Ken Grant welcomed Avelo's decision. He expressed gratitude to community members, activists, and local leaders who supported the movement. Grant believes this victory demonstrates the power of collective action in Delaware.
Grant also stated his optimism for Avelo's continued commercial service in Delaware now that its DHS agreement has concluded. He emphasized the importance of using infrastructure to connect people rather than separating families.
- May 2025: Avelo begins DHS deportation flights.
- November 2025: Wilmington City Council passes resolution against ICE collaborators.
- December 2025: Delaware Senate introduces resolution for scrutiny of ICE contracts.
- January 2026: Avelo announces end to deportation flights by January 27.
