Several thousand people have signed a petition calling on Avelo Airlines to scrap plans to operate ICE deportation flights.

The budget airline has signed a deal to operate three of its aircraft on deportation flights for the government out of Mesa, Arizona.

The contract starts in May.

Andrew Levy, airline CEO said: “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.

“It will keep our more than 1,100 crew members employed for years to come.”

The airline has recently posted job ads for flight attendants to work the deportation flights.

A petition was set up by New Haven Immigrant Heritage Coalition which is where Avelo has its largest airport base

The mayor of New Haven, CT slammed the airline.

“Travel should be about bringing people together, not tearing families apart,” said mayor Justin Elicker.