Avelo Airlines said that its recent deal with the federal government to operate deportation flights will not affect service out of Glacier Park International Airport.  

The budget airline recently entered a long-term charter agreement with the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to charter three Boeing 737-800s out of Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona beginning on May 12, according to a statement from Courtney Goff, spokesperson for Avelo Airlines. 

The airline intends to carry out domestic and international flights “to support the department’s deportation efforts,” read the statement.   

The agreement will have no impact on operations out of Kalispell, though, Goff told the Inter Lake.   

The airline provides seasonal service between Glacier Park International Airport and two California destinations: Burbank’s Hollywood Burbank Airport to the south and Sonoma’s Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport to the north.  

The airline began flying out of Glacier Park International Airport in May 2024. 

Twice-weekly flights to both Golden State airports will start up again in June, according to Avelo’s website. A one-way ticket is going for between $70 and $200.  

“We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic. After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 Crewmembers employed for years to come,” said Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy in a statement regarding the deal.  

Charters were also flown under former-President Joe Biden’s administration, according to a press release.  

“Regardless of the administration or party affiliation, as a U.S. flag carrier when our country calls and requests assistance our practice is to say yes.”  

Reporter Jack Underhill can be reached at 758-4407 and [email protected].