The Maryland government is encountering mounting activism aimed at removing Avelo Airlines from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The airline has come under fire for its involvement in operating deportation flights for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Activists Rally Against Avelo Airlines
Since Avelo’s announcement of the ICE contract in May, public opposition has surged. Boycotts, protests, and legislative calls have emerged, urging action against the airline. In August, Avelo was responsible for nearly 20% of all ICE deportation flights, according to flight tracking data.
Pressure on Maryland Officials
Activists have intensified their efforts at BWI, with protests escalating in Annapolis, the state capital. They delivered tens of thousands of signatures to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, urging the cancellation of Avelo’s commercial operations contract. Although the state controls the terminal, it cannot stop Avelo from running deportation flights, as these operations fall under federal jurisdiction.
- Petition Delivery to Governor Wes Moore
- Demands to cancel Avelo’s contract at BWI
- 30day termination notice clause in the contract
Delegate Ashanti Martinez expressed the need for Maryland to align its business partnerships with the values of its citizens, emphasizing the use of state resources should not facilitate profits from deportations.
Avelo Airlines’ Operations and Vulnerability
Avelo currently has a limited presence at BWI, servicing only two routes: New Haven, Connecticut, and Wilmington, North Carolina. The airline operates 65 routes from various ‘blue state’ airports, relying significantly on state subsidies and tax concessions.
Concerns in Blue States
The potential actions from Maryland could influence other Democratled states to follow suit, increasing Avelo’s risk of losing both its contracts and financial benefits.
| State | Number of Routes |
|---|---|
| Connecticut | 31 |
| Delaware | 14 |
| New York | 10 |
| Michigan | 4 |
| New Hampshire | 4 |
| Maryland | 2 |
Responses from state governments have been limited so far. In Connecticut, legislation has been proposed to restrict state business dealings with airlines partnering with ICE, but no contracts have been terminated yet.
Recent Developments and Market Challenges
Despite the absence of state intervention, Avelo has begun reducing its operations. The airline announced plans to cease all operations at Hollywood Burbank Airport in July 2025, attributing the decision to poor financial returns. Activists believe the political pressure resulting from Avelo’s ICE contract contributed significantly to this closure.
In Connecticut, Avelo plans to withdraw from Bradley International Airport by January 2026, again citing financial challenges, which have raised eyebrows among critics due to the airline’s prior subsidies and strong passenger numbers.
Avelo is also contending with fierce competition, particularly from Breeze Airways, which has expanded significantly in the same markets. Although the demand for Avelo’s services is weakening amid this negative sentiment, the airline’s broader operational strategy remains uncertain.