The Houston-based Avelo airlines will shut down its base in Mesa on Jan. 27, ending its deportation flights out of Mesa Gateway Airport.
Avelo flew as part of a Department of Homeland Security charter program, but a spokesperson says it did not deliver consistent enough revenue to overcome operational costs.
While the company faced protests due to the flights, Avelo says all decisions were made for commercial reasons.
Avelo had used three Boeing 737-800 planes for the flights.
The original move inspired an online boycott petition and sharp criticism from the union representing the carrier’s flight attendants.
The agreement between Avelo Airlines and Homeland Security has not been made public. Financial details, as well as the destination of Avelo’s deportation flights are unknown.
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