Thursday, January 8, 2026- Avelo Airlines, the Houston-based low-cost carrier that became a central commercial partner in U.S. deportation operations, has ended its contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and will stop flying deportation flights by January 27, 2026.
The airline joined the program in April 2025, operating removal flights out of Mesa, Arizona, a move that quickly triggered public backlash, protests, and boycott campaigns. After less than a year, Avelo has decided to exit the program amid mounting pressure and scrutiny.
The airline’s leadership described the decision as a strategic business move rather than a political statement. CEO Andrew Levy said the ICE contract failed to deliver stable, long-term revenue and instead added operational strain that outweighed its financial benefits.
As part of the shift, Avelo is shutting down its Mesa base tied to deportation flights and restructuring its broader network, including base consolidations and aircraft adjustments, to refocus on its core commercial operations and growth plans.
Industry analysts view Avelo’s withdrawal as a notable development in the aviation sector’s relationship with federal enforcement programs. As one of the few commercial airlines openly operating deportation flights during the Trump administration’s expanded enforcement push, Avelo’s exit could limit ICE’s logistical options and increase reliance on specialized charter operators.
More broadly, the move underscores how public perception, brand risk, and profitability are increasingly shaping corporate decisions around politically sensitive government contracts.
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