Mexico’s Low-Cost Carriers Plan To Merge in 2026

Mexico’s largest low-cost airlines have agreed to 2026 merger.

Monterrey-headquartered Viva and Mexico City-headquartered Volaris claim that their plans to operate as a unified airline will benefit both passengers and the airlines’ operations.

“We intend this transaction to enable Viva and Volaris to provide ultra-low-cost fares and more point-to-point travel to even more cities across Mexico and internationally,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua.

Here’s everything you need to know about this plan, which is still subject to government approval.

Viva and Volaris’ Merger: What It Would Mean for Passengers

As the news breaks, the merger is still subject to approval from the Mexican government. The joining of these 2 low-cost airlines would create the largest airline by passenger numbers in Mexico.

In the first 7 months of 2025, the country’s flag carrier, Aeromexico, was in second place with 14.3 passengers after low-cost Viva transported over 17 million passengers. As such, Aeromexico will likely oppose the merger on the grounds of anti-competition.

Viva and Volaris‘ combined route map shows dense capacity both within Mexico and to cities across the U.S. — plus a few destinations in Central and South America.

While Aeromexico has considerably more international destinations, especially in the U.S., it could struggle to compete against the mega low-cost airline that would form if Viva and Volaris’ merger is approved.

However, if the merger is approved, Viva and Volaris will continue to operate as separate airlines, albeit under a single airline group, which is yet to be named. This is different from most mergers we’ve seen before, but it has some similarities to Hawaiian merging with Alaska Airlines while continuing to operate planes with both names.

In an email to previous Volaris customers, the airline promises the merger would bring improved passenger experience with:

• More national and international connectivity
• More flights to smaller, regional airports
• Great flexibility with itineraries
• Continuation of both airlines’ loyalty programs, Altitude (Volaris) and Doters (Viva)

Ultimately, if the merger proceeds, both Viva and Volaris planes will continue to operate domestic and international flights alongside full-service carrier Aeromexico.

Final Thoughts

The decision for 2 airlines to merge and form a single carrier is multifaceted. Not only does a government have to approve, but the merger can also face fierce opposition from other airlines, as we’ve seen recently in the U.S., where a judge blocked the merger of JetBlue and Spirit and competing airlines had a lot to say about it.

Given the duopoly that would form if Viva and Volaris merge, it won’t be surprising if the Mexican government says no.