Texas-based Avelo Airlines is under fire for operating deportation flights under a contract with the Trump administration. Despite protests and a boycott petition, the airline argues the deal supports financial stability and job security.

Avelo Airlines had its first deportation-related flight depart from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport May 12, 2025, headed to Alexandria, Louisiana.

PHOENIX (AP) — A budget airline that serves mostly small U.S. cities began federal deportation flights Monday out of Arizona, a move that’s inspired an online boycott petition and sharp criticism from the union representing the carrier’s flight attendants.