Maryland Activists Demand Avelo Airlines Exit BWI Amid Protests

Increasing pressure is mounting on the Maryland state government from activists demanding the removal of Avelo Airlines from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). The push stems from the airline’s involvement in operating deportation flights for the US Department of Homeland Security under a charter contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Following Avelo’s announcement of this contract in May, public backlash erupted, marked by organized boycotts, protests, and calls for legislative action. According to flight tracking data compiled by TTW, Avelo operated nearly 20% of all ICE deportation flights last month, prompting significant concern among local communities and advocacy groups.

Protests and Legislative Action

Since the controversial announcement, protests have intensified at BWI, culminating in recent demonstrations in Annapolis, Maryland’s state capital. Activists delivered tens of thousands of petitions to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, urging him to cancel Avelo’s commercial operating contract at BWI. Activist and member of the Maryland House of Delegates, Ashanti Martinez, emphasized the importance of aligning business operations with the values of Maryland citizens. She stated, “If we have any control over the business taking place at BWI, we shouldn’t be supporting businesses that don’t reflect the values of Marylanders.”

While the Maryland administration can seek to terminate Avelo’s lease and concession contract, it lacks the authority to stop ICE flights, which are federally regulated. The current contract includes a provision allowing either party to terminate it with 30 days’ notice.

Avelo’s Vulnerability in Blue States

Avelo’s operations at BWI are minimal, servicing only two routes: Tweed New Haven Airport in Connecticut and Wilmington, North Carolina. Despite this limited presence, the airline is at risk of broader repercussions if Maryland sets a precedent for action against it. Avelo operates 65 routes from various blue state airports in the Northeast and Midwest, where it benefits from substantial state subsidies and tax breaks.

Should Maryland proceed with punitive measures, other Democratic-led states might follow suit, which could have significant financial implications for Avelo. The airline’s current operations in various blue states include:

– Connecticut: 31 routes
– Delaware: 14 routes
– New York: 10 routes
– Michigan: 4 routes
– New Hampshire: 4 routes
– Maryland: 2 routes

Thus far, state responses have been limited. In Connecticut, lawmakers have introduced legislation that could restrict state business with airlines contracting with ICE, but no actual contract terminations or withdrawal of financial incentives have occurred.

Avelo’s struggles are evident as it has recently announced the closure of its base at Hollywood Burbank Airport in California, ceasing all West Coast operations and routes in California, Oregon, and Washington. Although the airline attributed this decision to inadequate financial returns, activists argue that the political pressure stemming from the ICE contract played a significant role.

In Connecticut, Avelo revealed plans to exit Bradley International Airport by January 2026, citing cost pressures, despite strong ridership and state subsidies. The Connecticut Airport Authority criticized this decision as “inexplicable,” hinting that ongoing backlash related to ICE flights influenced the airline’s strategic retreat.

While Avelo is grappling with economic challenges, the growing negative sentiment regarding its ICE operations in key markets is jeopardizing its business viability. As protests continue, the future of Avelo Airlines at BWI and its operations in other states remains uncertain, raising questions about the intersection of corporate practices and public values.