On one of the busiest travel days of the year, activists gathered at Nashville International Airport (BNA) on Sunday to call for a boycott of Avelo Airlines. The protest was part of a national movement involving over 20 cities across the United States. The demonstrators aimed to raise awareness about Avelo’s alleged involvement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deportation operations.
Organizers from the Nashville Boycott Avelo Movement, including activist Mike Lacy, expressed their concerns regarding Avelo’s purported contract with ICE. Lacy stated, “We’re not asking you to give money. We’re asking you to not give money,” urging travelers to reconsider their choice of airline.
The protest coincided with reports that Avelo signed a contract with the Department of Homeland Security in April 2025 to facilitate deportation flights for ICE. However, Avelo representatives have repeatedly denied these claims. Courtney Goff, Avelo’s communications manager, emphasized in a statement, “Avelo does not have a contract with DHS/ICE and we have no idea how this false statement keeps getting publicized without any fact-checking.”
Goff further clarified that while Avelo has operated charter flights for various branches of the government under both the Biden and Trump administrations, there are no existing contracts with ICE or the Department of Homeland Security.
In response to the protests, Goff acknowledged the right to peaceful assembly. “Avelo’s main priority continues to be maintaining the safety and timeliness of our operations that over 8.3 million customers across the country continue to enjoy,” she stated.
The protest at BNA was part of a broader effort by the Stop Avelo Coalition to mobilize public opinion against the airline. Activists displayed signs and chanted slogans in hopes of drawing attention from travelers and their families. The coalition’s message aims to highlight the impact of deportation flights on immigrant communities.
As the situation evolves, inquiries have been made to the Department of Homeland Security for further clarification regarding Avelo’s involvement in deportation flights. Responses from the agency are pending, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Travelers at Nashville International Airport witnessed the unfolding protest while navigating their travel plans, underscoring the intersection of civil rights activism and the aviation industry. With significant public interest, the actions taken by the Nashville Boycott Avelo Movement may influence perceptions of Avelo Airlines and its operations in the future.
