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Activists Celebrate Avelo Airlines’ Exit from Bradley International Airport
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Hartford, CT - activists are celebrating the impending departure of Avelo Airlines from Bradley International Airport, marking a victory in thier campaign against the budget carrier’s contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The airline will suspend services on January 25, 2025, after facing sustained public pressure and protests.
The decision follows months of demonstrations and boycott pledges organized by groups including Indivisible Connecticut and Massachusetts,and the Democratic Socialists of America CT Chapter. Activists protested Avelo’s operation of deportation flights for ICE, arguing the practice contributes to the mistreatment of immigrants. The loss of Avelo’s service, which was the state’s only nonstop route to Montego Bay, Jamaica, underscores the growing impact of social activism on airline contracts and corporate responsibility.
Pressure Campaign Leads to Avelo’s Departure
On October 13,2024,the Connecticut Airport authority announced Avelo Airlines would suspend its services to Bradley International Airport. Activists amplified their message with large banners displayed over the Route 75 overpass near the airport on Saturday, November 2, 2024, celebrating what they called a significant win.
“We’re not getting anyone’s business. So we’re spreading the word, letting people know not to fly them,” said Majercak, an activist involved in the campaign. He added that people are just horrified at what they’ve been seeing
regarding ICE’s treatment of immigrants.
Financial Considerations and Public Backlash
Avelo defended the approximately $150 million contract with ICE,stating it provided financial stability and protected jobs in a volatile market,according to the Associated Press.
