Viva Air Colombia History
Viva Air Colombia ceased all operations in February 2023 after a failed merger attempt with Avianca. This page is a historical and informational record — there are no current fares or flights to book.
Viva Air Colombia Is Not Operating
Viva Air Colombia ceased all operations on February 27, 2023, citing rising fuel costs and the failure of Colombia's civil aviation authority, Aerocivil, to approve its planned merger with Avianca. There is no indication of any relaunch as of today. There are no current routes, fares, or flights to search or book.
If you're looking for current Colombian domestic or international service, visit Avianca on FareOptic for live fares and schedules.
About Viva Air Colombia
Viva Air Colombia (IATA: VH), commonly known as Viva Colombia, launched in 2012 as a Colombian ultra-low-cost carrier based at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá (BOG). The airline played a pioneering role in bringing budget air travel to Colombia, helping make flying accessible to travelers who had previously relied on long bus journeys for domestic trips, while also operating a smaller number of international routes.
As part of a broader industry consolidation, Viva Air Colombia had agreed to integrate operations with Avianca under the Abra Group, a deal intended to combine the low-cost and full-service carriers under shared ownership. However, Colombia's civil aviation authority, Aerocivil, did not approve the planned merger in time. Facing rising fuel costs and worsening finances without the merger completing, Viva Air Colombia ceased all operations on February 27, 2023, and there has been no indication of a relaunch since.
Find and compare cheap flights
Everything you need to find and book your next cheap flight — all in one place.
Price Match Promise
Found a better deal? We'll match it!
24/7 Customer Support
Speak to our travel experts anytime, anywhere.
ClubMiles Rewards
Stack points & airline miles to save.
Easy Cancellations
Convenient options online and 24/7 global concierge.
Former Hub Airport
Viva Air Colombia operated from this base before it ceased operations in 2023.
Cabin Class (Historical)
What flying Viva Air Colombia looked like before the airline ceased operations in 2023.
Economy
- ✓Single-cabin, ultra-low-cost configuration
- ✓Unbundled base fares — seats, bags, and priority boarding priced separately
- ✓Domestic Colombian and select international routes
- ✓Optional paid seat selection
- ✓Snacks and drinks available for purchase onboard
Baggage Policy (Historical Reference Only)
Viva Air Colombia has not operated flights since February 2023. This information is retained for historical interest only and has no bearing on any current travel.
| Bag / Policy | Historical Economy |
|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | Historical: 1 small personal item included; larger carry-on bags charged a fee |
| Checked baggage | Historical: charged separately by weight and route, standard for an ultra-low-cost carrier |
| Note | Retained for historical reference only — Viva Air Colombia is not operating and holds no bookable inventory |
What Flying With Viva Air Colombia Was Like
Pioneering Budget Travel
Viva Air Colombia was a pioneer of ultra-low-cost domestic air travel in Colombia, helping make flying a realistic alternative to long bus journeys for many travelers.
Domestic Colombian Network
From its Bogotá hub, Viva Air Colombia connected major Colombian cities alongside a smaller number of international routes.
Check-In & Cancellation
Viva Air Colombia offered standard online and airport check-in with a strict, fee-based change and cancellation policy typical of an ultra-low-cost carrier, before it ceased operations in 2023.
Viva Air Colombia's Merger Attempt & Shutdown Timeline
Viva Air Colombia Founded
2012Viva Air Colombia launched as a Colombian ultra-low-cost carrier, pioneering budget domestic air travel.
Avianca Merger Agreement
2022Viva Air Colombia and Avianca agreed to integrate operations under the Abra Group as a path to long-term stability.
Aerocivil Withholds Approval
Late 2022 – Early 2023Colombia's civil aviation authority, Aerocivil, did not approve the planned merger within the required timeframe.
All Operations Cease
February 27, 2023Citing rising fuel costs and the failed merger approval, Viva Air Colombia ceased all operations.
No Relaunch Since
OngoingThere has been no indication of any relaunch of Viva Air Colombia as of today.
Looking for Flights Instead of History?
- 1.Viva Air Colombia is non-operational and its planned merger with Avianca never completed — if you're researching its story for aviation history or business-case interest, the details above reflect its real timeline accurately.
- 2.If you need to book a flight within Colombia or internationally out of Bogotá (BOG) today, search Avianca on FareOptic for current fares and schedules.
- 3.For budget domestic travel within Colombia, compare current low-cost and full-service carriers serving your route on FareOptic.
- 4.Be cautious of any third-party site claiming to sell 'Viva Colombia tickets' today — the airline has no live booking system, and such offers should not be trusted.
Most Popular Airlines
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Frequently Asked Questions
The history and status of Viva Air Colombia, Colombia's former ultra-low-cost carrier
Is Viva Colombia still operating?
No. Viva Air Colombia ceased all operations on February 27, 2023, citing rising fuel costs and the failure of Colombia's civil aviation authority, Aerocivil, to approve its planned merger with Avianca. There is no indication of any relaunch as of today.
Can I book a flight on Viva Colombia today?
No. Viva Air Colombia has no active fleet, schedule, or booking system. There is no current fare to search or purchase.
Why did Viva Colombia shut down?
Viva Air Colombia faced rising fuel prices and mounting financial pressure as an ultra-low-cost carrier. The airline had planned a merger or acquisition by Avianca as a path forward, but Colombia's civil aviation authority, Aerocivil, did not approve the deal in time. Facing worsening finances without the merger, Viva Air Colombia ceased all operations on February 27, 2023.
What happened with the Avianca merger attempt?
Viva Air Colombia and Avianca had agreed to integrate operations as part of the Abra Group, aiming to combine the full-service and low-cost carriers under shared ownership. Colombia's Aerocivil declined to approve the planned integration within the necessary timeframe, and without that approval, Viva Air Colombia was unable to continue operating and shut down in February 2023.
What was Viva Colombia known for?
Founded in 2012, Viva Air Colombia was a pioneer of ultra-low-cost air travel within Colombia, helping make flying more accessible and affordable for Colombian travelers who previously relied on buses for domestic trips, alongside a smaller number of international routes.
Where was Viva Colombia based?
Viva Air Colombia was based at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá (BOG), which served as its primary hub from its 2012 founding until its February 2023 shutdown.