Houston's Avelo Airlines risks losing tax breaks over deportation flights
Connecticut's Attorney General suggested Avelo is
taking state support to "make money off other people’s suffering."

By Andrea Guzmán,
Texas Brands Reporter

April 25, 2025

Houston-based Avelo Airlines is expected to operate deportation flights starting May 12, but the move came with backlash in the form of boycotts, rallies and now a threat to its tax breaks and subsidies.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong sent Avelo questions earlier this month over its decision to sign an agreement to carry out deportation flights for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. New Haven, Connecticut, is the site of Avelo's largest base and where it's added routes in recent years, including the launch of a flight from William P. Hobby Airport to Tweed New Haven Regional Airport last summer.

Tong gave the airline a week to respond to a range of questions, including confirmation that the airline will never operate flights with shackled children or flights in which non-violent passengers are in shackles. Chaining passengers has been a major concern among activists and political leaders, as the restraints add complications in the event of an emergency.

But when the airline responded by saying some questions should go to the Department of Homeland Security or the Federal Aviation Administration. The airline also recommended Tong make a Freedom of Information Act request if he would like to view a copy of the airline's federal contract. Tong said the reply was "totally unacceptable."
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https://www.chron.com/culture/article/avelo-airlines-deportation-houston-20294746.php