Avelo Airlines is facing increasing pressure from activists and state lawmakers in Maryland. The calls aim to remove the discount carrier from Thurgood Marshall Baltimore Washington International Airport (BWI). This push comes after the airline signed contracts with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to transport immigrants for deportation.
These flights carry individuals apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to a detention center in Alexandria, Louisiana. Reports indicate detainees arrive in shackles and handcuffs. This practice has led to protests across the country, including in Maryland, where Avelo operates commercial flights.
Key Takeaways
- Activists and state lawmakers want Avelo Airlines removed from BWI due to its role in ICE deportation flights.
- Avelo operated about 20% of U.S. deportation flights in August, according to Travel and Tour World data.
- Maryland Governor Wes Moore's administration states it cannot stop federal detainee flights, despite jurisdiction over commercial contracts.
- The state's commercial agreement with Avelo allows termination with 30 days' notice.
- Activists have gathered over 8,000 petition signatures urging the governor to act.
Federal Contracts and Public Opposition
Avelo Airlines entered into charter agreements with the Department of Homeland Security earlier this year. These contracts involve transporting immigrants from various airports nationwide to a detention facility in Louisiana. This role has drawn significant public criticism.
According to data compiled by Travel and Tour World, Avelo was responsible for approximately 20% of all deportation flights in the United States during August. This information has fueled the protests and calls for action against the airline.
The airline has offered commercial flights from BWI since 2021. Currently, it operates four round-trip flights per week from the state-owned airport. The controversy highlights a conflict between state commercial interests and federal immigration enforcement.
Fact: Avelo's Role in Deportation Flights
In August, Avelo Airlines conducted roughly one-fifth of all immigrant deportation flights in the U.S. These flights transport individuals from various airports to a detention center in Alexandria, Louisiana.
Maryland's Stance and Legislative Pressure
Maryland Governor Wes Moore's administration has not yet moved to block Avelo from operating at BWI. This is despite the governor's past criticisms of former President Donald Trump's policies. The state's commercial agreement with Avelo includes a clause allowing either party to terminate the arrangement with just 30 days' notice.
However, officials within the Moore administration argue they lack the authority to halt ICE-arranged detainee flights from BWI. They assert that these flights fall under federal jurisdiction.
Delegate Ashanti Martinez (D-Prince George's), who chairs the Legislative Latino Caucus, sent a letter to Governor Moore and state transportation officials in mid-September. Martinez urged them to end the state's contract with Avelo. He stated that the airline's involvement aids in aggressive immigration enforcement, which sometimes leads to the deportation of individuals with legal status.
"I really deeply feel like if we have any control of the business taking place at BWI, we shouldn't be supporting businesses that don't reflect the values of Marylanders," Martinez said in an interview.
Martinez noted that Governor Moore has not yet responded to his letter. The Latino Caucus believes state business decisions should align with Maryland's values.
Growing Activist Movement
Over the past few weeks, Maryland-based activist groups have collected more than 8,000 signatures on a petition. This petition urges Governor Moore to cancel the state's commercial contract with Avelo. The primary goal of these groups is to increase pressure on state leadership.
Ryan Harvey, a leader of the Baltimore Rapid Response Network, described the strategy. His group is one of several progressive organizations coordinating protests against Avelo's commercial operations at BWI.
"The main thing is putting pressure on the governor," said Ryan Harvey.
Activists in Maryland drew inspiration from similar protests targeting Avelo in Connecticut. These actions have since expanded nationwide, creating a broader campaign. Harvey explained that the national effort is a collaboration of local, grassroots organizations.
Understanding Federal vs. State Authority
While the Maryland state government controls the BWI terminal and its associated businesses, it does not have jurisdiction over airport runways or flight operations. These aspects are regulated by federal law, meaning the state cannot prevent federal agencies like ICE from using airport facilities for their flights.
Avelo's Commercial Operations and Financial Context
Avelo Airlines launched in 2021, emerging as the U.S. began recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline positioned itself as a low-cost carrier, offering flights within the U.S. and to nearby Caribbean islands. Commercial service to and from BWI began in spring 2022.
Ricky Smith, then the executive director of the Maryland Aviation Administration, welcomed Avelo at the time. He highlighted the airline's potential to offer low fares, convenient access, and boost tourism to Maryland and the National Capital region.
A recent report by Forbes indicated Avelo's financial standing since its launch has been uncertain. This financial context may explain the airline's decision to pursue federal contracts. These contracts to transport undocumented immigrants are estimated to be worth around $150 million.
The backlash against Avelo has been widespread. Protests have occurred across the country. Some groups advocate for a passenger boycott of the airline. Others call on government officials to remove any financial incentives for Avelo's commercial flights or to block them entirely.
Avelo's BWI Passenger Data
Between July 1, 2024, and June 30 this year, Avelo Airlines transported 36,164 commercial passengers at BWI. This represents a passenger market share of 0.14% at the airport.
The Limits of State Power
Even if the Moore administration decided to end Avelo's commercial flight agreement at BWI, this would not prevent the airline or other carriers from conducting immigrant detainee flights from BWI or other state airports. This is because these flights are arranged and overseen by the federal government.
Maryland is a federally funded, public-use airport. As such, it is required by federal law to provide access to all certified air carriers without discrimination. Jonathan Dean, a spokesperson for the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) and BWI, confirmed this.
"Flights arranged by ICE are part of a private contract between a flight operator and the federal government," Dean said. "The national airspace, airline operations, and access to airports are regulated by federal law."
Dean clarified that the MAA does not schedule, inspect, or authorize these federal flights. He also stated that these flights do not generate revenue for the state.
Dean confirmed that Avelo operated one ICE flight this year from BWI, transporting immigrants to the Louisiana detention center. This was one of approximately 30 detainee flights that departed from BWI this year. Other flights were operated by GlobalX, another charter airline, and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Avelo's Response and Future Outlook
Courtney Goff, a spokesperson for Avelo, acknowledged the ongoing protests in Maryland and other locations. However, she directed all questions regarding ICE flights to the Department of Homeland Security.
"We recognize the right of individuals to peacefully assemble and assert their freedom of speech," Goff said in an email. "Avelo's main priority continues to be maintaining the safety and timeliness of our operation that nearly eight million Customers across the country continue to enjoy."
The ICE media office did not respond to inquiries about potential detainee flights from Maryland airports in 2025. Activists, however, plan to continue their efforts to pressure state policymakers regarding Avelo.
"Marylanders would like to see leaders do more," Ryan Harvey stated.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between state and federal authority, commercial airline operations, and public sentiment on immigration policy.
