ALBANY, NY (WRGB) — Elected officials are weighing in on the future of Avelo Airlines at Albany International Airport amid nationwide protests calling for a boycott. Demonstrators are opposing the airline’s alleged partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
According to data from Human Rights First’s ICE Flight Monitor, nearly 2,000 deportation flights have occurred since January, though none have departed from New York airports. This has sparked a debate between Sen. Pat Fahy and Albany County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Paul Burgdorf.
Marianna Achlaug, an organizer with Indivisible Albany, criticized Avelo Airlines for prioritizing profits over human dignity.
“We want them out of Albany County,” she said.
Data indicates that Avelo Airlines has conducted 17% of all removal or domestic transfer flights this year.
Sen. Pat Fahy has proposed the Safe Air Act, targeting airlines that violate passengers’ constitutional rights. The legislation would prevent state agencies from assisting airlines involved in deportation flights without a judicial warrant or due process.
Fahy believes Avelo is replaceable at Albany International, stating, “There’s a lot of competition in airlines.”
Conversely, Albany County Legislature Deputy Minority Leader Paul Burgdorf opposes removing Avelo, arguing that its low costs prevent other airlines from raising prices.
“If you remove Avelo Airlines, there is no longer any competition between the airlines to better serve the Capital District community,” he said.
Burgdorf, a frequent flyer with Avelo, supports the airline’s right to partner with the U.S. government.
“Until somebody says that evicting or deporting illegal migrant criminals is illegal, that is certainly the legal authority of the United States,” Burgdorf said.
Avelo Airlines responded to the controversy, telling CBS6 in a statement:
“We do not have a contract with ICE, so there is nothing to strengthen or loosen. Lots of misinformation that’s being spread as truth.”
The situation continues to develop as officials and the public weigh the ethical and economic implications.
