In brief
Avelo Airlines, known for its service to smaller airports in liberal city areas, is now generating controversy by partnering with the Trump administration to operate deportation flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Despite facing protests and pushback from customers and local politicians, the airline's first chartered flight reportedly took off from Mesa, Arizona, destined for Alexandria International Airport in Louisiana—one of ICE’s regular deportation locations. This strategic choice raises concerns about the potential alienation of Avelo's customer base, given that over 90% of its flights take off or land in coastal states with predominantly progressive attitudes. While charter airlines tend to fill this role, established commercial carriers like Avelo typically shy away to avoid political entanglement.
