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Avelo Airlines Ends Controversial Deportation Flights in 2026

1/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Avelo Airlines will end its deportation flights for the Department of Homeland Security on January 27, 2026, citing political controversy and insufficient revenue.
The flights began in April 2025, and Avelo will close its Mesa, Arizona base and cut North Carolina jobs.
Avelo chief executive Andrew Levy said the program's operational complexity outweighed its benefits.
Protests against ICE operations prompted Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to urge airlines to halt contracts.

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Story summary

Avelo Airlines will end its deportation flights for the Department of Homeland Security on January 27, 2026, citing political controversy and insufficient revenue.
The flights began in April 2025, and Avelo will close its Mesa, Arizona base and cut North Carolina jobs.
Avelo chief executive Andrew Levy said the program's operational complexity outweighed its benefits.
Protests against ICE operations prompted Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to urge airlines to halt contracts.