Activists Warn Tourists: ‘Choose your Flights Wisely’

Several local activist organizations, such as the Immigrant Allies Forum, Indivisible Wilmington, and the Wilmington Chapter of the Democratic Socialists of America, formed a line along the route to Wrightsville Beach, with a message for vacation-goers to ‘choose your flights wisely.’ The strategic location was selected by protest organizers to inform as many tourists as they could about the deal Avelo Airlines entered into with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement this year, which includes carrying out deportation flights.

One of the lead organizers revealed, “The county’s money has been employed to market Wilmington and other destinations to encourage people to consider Avelo for their travelling needs. We, on the other hand, wish to alert potential passengers that a seemingly inexpensive ticket could be associated with significant human rights implications.” Avelo Airlines, a cost-effective carrier with services in 23 states, established a new hub in Wilmington in April.

In the peiod since Avelo launched operations in Wilmington, protests against the airline have emerged around the city. The initial demonstration against Avelo happened directly before the airport in May. However, this past week signaled the beginning of a nationwide campaign in collaboration with the local efforts, intended to place “economic strain” on the airline following the controversial agreement.

“This isn’t a local issue any longer, it’s now a national campaign. Today, we are joining a nationwide protest happening across various cities where Avelo operates,” stated a protest participant. Another added, “Avelo Airlines operates as a commercial airline, and uniquely holds a contract with ICE to fly deportation flights from Arizona to El Salvador. Our message to people is simple: Avoid flying with them.”

Dealing with the complexities and nuances of immigration policies is challenging, and shifting viewpoints around this topic is a considerable task. However, the advocates, both local and national, aim to persuade travellers to reconsider their airline choice. “It appears our efforts are making a difference,” noted one protestor, “Avelo recently canceled a few flights and scaled back some of its operations in several locations across the country, although not here in Wilmington.” Their hope is that these demonstrations lead to significant modifications locally.

In defense of its contract with ICE, Avelo has articulated that it was a move towards financial steadiness. A member of the executive committee of one of the advocacy groups requested public records from the New Hanover County Airport Authority. A reply came a few months later from the Deputy Airport Director stating that the Airport Authority neither allocated any budget for Avelo nor endorsed any financial amendments in favor of the airline.

The deputy director also provided a copy of Avelo’s lease agreement, which he clarified was “common for all airlines operating at the ILM airport.” He further attached details of the authority’s incentive program, available to all airlines. However, he admitted after extensive discussions that local marketing funding has indeed been utilized in past to promote Avelo flights and the ILM Airport since the commencement of Avelo’s operations.

Avelo’s contribution to the local economy has been quite significant since the inception of their operations. One protestor presented an argument stating, “When you review the statistical data which recorded a total of $1.1 billion in tourist spending in New Hanover County in 2023, and consider the entire annual GDP for the county was less than $20 billion in the previous fiscal year, attributing a significant amount of this economic activity solely to Avelo seems unrealistic.”

He further added, “This conveniently overlooks a key ethical dilemma: Should we remain silent about Avelo’s involvement in questionable and arguably inhumane deportation flights just because their other operations benefit us? What is the ethical cost that we are willing to bear if we permit these controversial deportations to proceed?”