Is Viva Colombia Still Flying?
Viva Colombia is no longer operating. Here’s what happened, including the failed Avianca merger, and how to find flights on its former routes.
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Viva Air Colombia (branded VivaColombia, and part of the Irelandia Aviation group behind several other low-cost carriers) was Colombia’s original ultra-low-cost airline, founded in 2009 and based near Medellín. After a proposed merger with Avianca stalled amid regulatory delays, Viva suspended all operations on February 27, 2023, citing an unsustainable financial position, and began formal liquidation proceedings that June.
Viva Colombia Route Network
Viva Colombia no longer operates. Its former domestic Colombian and international routes and airport slots have since been picked up by other Colombian carriers, including Avianca, Wingo, and LATAM.
Primary Hub
José María Córdova International Airport, Rionegro (MDE) — historical
Viva’s historical primary hub was José María Córdova International Airport (MDE) near Medellín, with significant operations also at Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport.
Alliance & Partner Airlines
As a defunct airline, Viva Colombia has no current alliance or codeshare relationships. Travelers should search under current Colombian carriers for its former routes.
Baggage, Seating & Onboard Amenities
A quick reference before you pack — always confirm exact allowances on your fare rules at booking, since they vary by route and cabin.
Carry-On & Personal Item
Not applicable — Viva Colombia does not currently sell tickets or operate flights.
Checked Baggage
Not applicable — Viva Colombia does not currently sell tickets or operate flights.
Excess Baggage Fees
Overweight, oversized, or extra bags typically incur a per-bag fee charged at check-in or online in advance — pre-paying online is usually cheaper than paying at the airport.
Seat Selection & Cabin Classes
Not applicable — Viva Colombia does not currently sell tickets or operate flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Viva Air Colombia suspended all operations on February 27, 2023, after a proposed merger with Avianca stalled amid regulatory delays from Colombia's civil aviation authority, and the company began formal liquidation proceedings in June 2023.
Viva Colombia's IATA code was FC, with ICAO code VVC.
Colombia's civil aviation authority (Aerocivil) repeatedly delayed approval of the proposed merger, admitting several competing airlines as interested third parties to the review process. After Viva was forced to suspend operations amid the delays, Avianca ultimately abandoned the integration plan in May 2023, citing regulatory conditions it felt didn't reflect Viva's real post-suspension capacity.
Yes, Viva Air Perú, a related Peruvian carrier under the same Irelandia Aviation ownership group, suspended operations on the same day, February 27, 2023, as part of the broader Viva group collapse.
No — despite similar branding, Viva Aerobus is a separate Mexican airline with no legal affiliation to Viva Colombia, even though both were developed with involvement from the same Irelandia Aviation group of low-cost airline founders.
No. Since Viva Colombia does not operate flights, you can't book tickets directly with it. Search for your route under Avianca, Wingo, or LATAM instead.
Avianca, Wingo, LATAM, and other carriers have picked up various routes and airport slots previously held by Viva, reshaping Colombia's domestic aviation market since the 2023 collapse.
At its peak, Viva Colombia operated an extensive domestic Colombian network from Medellín and Bogotá, alongside international routes to the US, Mexico, and other parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Search for your origin and destination under Avianca, Wingo, or LATAM, which now cover much of Viva's former domestic and international network.
There's no indication of a relaunch — the airline moved into formal liquidation in mid-2023 rather than restructuring to resume flying.
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Looking for Flights on Viva Colombia’s Former Routes?
Viva Colombia ceased operations in February 2023 and began liquidation that June. Avianca, Wingo, and LATAM now cover most of its former Colombian domestic and international routes.