A battle is brewing south of the border as Volaris and Viva Aerobus are going head to head on eight new routes. The two Mexican ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) are battling for supremacy and flyers traveling to or from Monterrey’s General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY) are the big winners.
On Monday, Volaris announced eight new routes from Monterrey to the following destinations:
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD)
- Ciudad Obregón International Airport (CEN)
- Los Mochis International Airport (LMM)
- Mexicali International Airport (MXL)
- San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK)
- Oaxaca International Airport (OAX)
- Querétaro International Airport (QRO)
- San Antonio International Airport (SAT)
The airline announced an increase in frequencies on the same eight routes announced by Volaris 48 hours prior in an effort to defend its territory. It appears that Viva Aerobus, which is based in Monterrey, didn’t take too kindly to Volaris, which is based in Mexico City, launching these routes.
While the message from Viva Aerobus doesn’t explicitly state that the announcement is in response to the new Volaris routes, the airline posted on Twitter/X stating that Monterrey is the “home” of the airline since it is based there. Viva Aerobus also operates its largest hub in Monterrey.
¡Raza, ustedes y yo sabemos que Monterrey es la casa de Viva! ✈️🤠 Y seguimos creciendo para que los regios continúen viajando en rutas nacionales e internacionales. ¡Volarás aún más a partir de noviembre! 💚🧳 ¡Pícale aquí! 👉 https://t.co/DpNXx5OxCz pic.twitter.com/y5W0E4rkFu
— Viva Aerobus (@VivaAerobus) July 31, 2024
While it will be interesting to see if both airlines continue competing on all eight routes long term, in the short term it should put downward pressure on prices which will be a win for passengers. With Viva Aerobus increasing frequencies in response to Volaris’ announcement, we’re already seeing this play out.
Flights on both airlines are currently on sale at vivaaerobus.com and volaris.com. Volaris flights are scheduled to begin in November.
Summary
Mexican ultra-low-cost carriers Volaris and Viva Aerobus have decided to go head to head on eight new routes from Monterrey. Volaris announced the new routes in Viva’s backyard, which prompted the Monterrey based carrier to respond by increasing flights.
(Images courtesy Lorenz von Schimonsky you can find more of his work on Instagram at @abia.spotter)
