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

Updated: December 19, 2025, 9:34am CST

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

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

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

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.

Viva and Volaris route map — Viva and Volaris’ combined route map. Image Credit: FlightConnections

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.

Aeromexico route map — Aeromexico’s route map in the northern part of the Americas. Image Credit: FlightConnections

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.

Hot Tip:

If all this talk of Mexico has you pining for tacos and tequila, then take a look at our guide covering the best ways to fly to Mexico with points and miles.

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.