Budget Airline Halts U.S. Deportation Flights, Cuts Routes

Avelo Airlines will stop operating deportation flights for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) this fall. The low-cost carrier is also canceling several routes and cutting jobs. The airline said the decision is due to the "unstable revenue" and higher costs of the government charter business. Avelo had flown deportation flights since 2022. A company statement said focusing on its core scheduled service is now a "better and more efficient use" of its aircraft. Alongside ending the ICE contracts, Avelo will stop flying to five cities in October. It will also reduce the number of flights on other routes. The changes will affect an unspecified number of pilot and flight attendant positions. The move highlights the financial pressures on newer airlines. Avelo stated it must ensure its operations are "financially sustainable" for the long term.