AFA Urges Avelo Airlines to Reconsider ICE Charter Flight Decision

WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 9, 2025) — The Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA) has expressed significant concerns following Avelo Airlines' decision to operate charter flights for the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Air Operations Unit (ICE charters). This arrangement involves transporting deportees in coordination with the Department of Homeland Security.

According to an official statement from the AFA, the union, representing Flight Attendants from 20 airlines including Avelo, has received numerous concerns from its members regarding these operations. AFA stated, “Flight Attendants have brought grave concerns to our union over Avelo’s recent decision to contract with the Department of Homeland Security to transport deportees through and out of the country on charter flights under the direction of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Air Operations Unit (ICE charters).”

AFA is urging Avelo Airlines to reconsider this decision, emphasizing that it poses risks not only to the airline’s reputation but also to the country. They highlight that Flight Attendants, responsible for passenger safety and quick evacuation procedures, face increased challenges in ensuring safety when dealing with flights that involve passengers in restraints. The statement noted, “Having an entire flight of people handcuffed and shackled would hinder any evacuation and risk injury or death. It also impedes our ability to respond to a medical emergency, fire on board, decompression, etc. We cannot do our jobs in these conditions.”

The association's stance aligns with their previous resolution on mass deportation, detainment, and attacks on free speech and protest, reflecting their ongoing commitment to addressing these issues.

The Association of Flight Attendants has been a pivotal advocate for Flight Attendant rights for over 79 years, focusing solely on issues pertinent to their profession. AFA represents more than 55,000 Flight Attendants and is part of the larger Communications Workers of America (CWA), AFL-CIO, which includes 700,000 members. For more information, visit www.afacwa.org.