US Airline Scraps ICE Flights on Revenue Concerns Amid Protests

Avelo Inc. said it will stop operating immigrant deportation flights for the US government, ending a controversial line of business that drew protests and boycott calls as the low-cost carrier reshapes itself.

The Houston-based budget carrier said it will shut its base in Mesa, Arizona, on Jan. 27 — the hub where it carried out charter work for the US Department of Homeland Security. Avelo’s role in deportation flights sparked protests by immigrant-rights groups and demonstrations at some of its hubs.

“The program provided short-term benefits but ultimately did not deliver enough consistent and predictable revenue to overcome its operational ...