Avelo Airlines Faces Backlash Over U.S. Government Deportation Contracts
Low-cost carrier Avelo Airlines continues to face controversy after signing contracts with the U.S. government to operate deportation flights.
The airline has stationed three Boeing 737 aircraft at Phoenix Airport, Arizona, to fulfill a contract with the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department, which oversee federal immigration policy.
Since the deal became public, Avelo has come under fire from customers, many of whom are now organizing a boycott. One of the most vocal critics is Seth Miller, a blogger for BoardingArea and a state legislator in New Hampshire.
Miller installed a large billboard at New Haven Airport in Connecticut, reading: “Are your vacations funding their deportation? Then say No to Avelo!” The sign incorporated Avelo’s official logo, and was designed to resemble the airline’s own marketing, according to reporting from AV's partner outlet, AEROIN.
The choice of New Haven Airport was deliberate. Though small, it lies just two hours northeast of New York City and serves as an alternative to JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark, attracting travelers from across the region.
The northeastern U.S.—including New York, Connecticut, Delaware, and New Jersey—is heavily Democratic and historically opposed to mass deportations, such as those implemented during Donald Trump’s administration, under which the contract with Avelo was originally signed.
The billboard, prominently placed at the airport where Avelo is the main carrier, poses a serious reputational risk for the airline. According to The New York Times, Avelo has filed a lawsuit against Miller and the advertising company responsible for the sign, claiming unauthorized use of its trademark, since the logo appears prominently despite the campaign being unofficial.
Miller has denied the allegations and argues that Avelo’s lawsuit violates his First Amendment rights, including freedom of speech and protest. Although the billboard has since been removed by the ad company, Miller confirmed he has retained legal counsel to defend his rights to protest, free expression, and boycott.
It remains unclear whether Avelo will continue legal proceedings now that the sign is gone. However, Miller insists he’s prepared to fight the case in court.
AEROIN es el medio líder de aviación en Brasil, y uno de los más leídos del mundo, con el que Aviacionline posee un acuerdo de intercambio editorial. https://www.aeroin.net
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