Breaking: Colombian Low-Cost Carrier Viva Suspends Operations

In a statement issued on the night of February 27, 2023, and confirming what was anticipated by Aviacionline, Viva informed that it is suspending its operations «with immediate effect.»

According to the company’s statement, the decision is based on «delays in making a decision» by Aerocivil, following the Communication issued by the authority recognizing the position of Wingo, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Ultra Air, LATAM Colombia and JetSMART as «interested third parties» in the integration process of Avianca and Viva.

The low-cost carrier indicates that «this unprecedented decision by the entity will result in further delays» to the resolution of the procedure.

The company reported that for the duration of the suspension it will continue to work with creditors and will seek to preserve its ability to restart operations at a future date, «assuming that the Civil Aeronautics immediately approves the pending alliance.»

«After more than seven months of delays by the entity, Viva has presented numerous pieces of evidence to the Colombian government to demonstrate that it is in a critical financial situation, asserting that the only way it can continue flying is for Aeronáutica Civil to allow it to become part of a stronger, well-capitalized group of airlines.

Instead, its decision today calls into question the future of low-cost air service in Colombia and jeopardizes the jobs of more than 5,000 Colombians who directly and indirectly depend on Viva,» the statement reads.

«We are at this point because of repeated delays by the Civil Aeronautics and its inability to recognize that what is best for Viva is also best for all Colombians,» the company closes its note. In the same, it also elaborates a chronology that begins in August 2022, date on which it presented the request for integration with Avianca.