Avelo Airlines to End Participation in ICE Deportation Flights
UPDATE: Avelo Airlines has decided to end its involvement in deportation charter flights operated for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The airline, which began the flights in May 2025, said the program failed to deliver reliable financial returns and added operational challenges. As the company restructures its business, Avelo is also scaling back commercial service, shutting down certain bases, and reducing staff. The carrier plans to exit the government charter operation by the end of January and return its focus to its core low-cost airline model. Senator Ray Seigfried said Avelo Airlines’ decision to end its involvement in ICE deportation flights aligns with concerns about due process and the treatment of immigrant communities. He said Senate Bill 207, which sought to prevent Delaware companies from participating in such operations, will not move forward at this time but could be reconsidered later in the legislative session, should the situation call for it.
Previous Report from December 18th, 2025:
Delaware lawmakers plan to introduce legislation this week that would restrict state incentives and resources for airlines involved in deportation flights conducted without a judicial warrant or due process. Sponsored by Senator Ray Seigfried and Representative Mara Gorman, the bill would limit state agency cooperation with such airlines at facilities including Wilmington Airport and bar them from receiving a jet fuel tax exemption. While broadly applicable, the proposal is aimed at Avelo Airlines, Delaware’s only commercial air carrier, which holds a contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to operate deportation flights outside the state. Avelo does not conduct deportation flights from Wilmington Airport. The legislation is expected to be considered when the 2026 legislative session begins January 13th.