A PYMNTS Company

Mexico Antitrust Review Looms Over Viva Aerobus–Volaris Tie-Up

By  |  December 22, 2025

Mexico’s antitrust authority is set to re-examine a proposed alliance between low-cost carriers Viva Aerobus and Volaris, President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Monday, signaling regulatory scrutiny even as the government views the move positively for the aviation sector.

    Get the Full Story

    Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no additional logins required.

    yesSubscribe to our daily newsletter, PYMNTS Today.

    By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

    Speaking publicly, Sheinbaum said the transaction must comply with competition rules but welcomed the prospect of greater investment and expansion by domestic airlines. “It has to be within the framework of the law, but it is a good thing that investment is increasing and Mexican companies in the aeronautics industry are growing,” she said. She added that the plan would support tourism and intensify competition with both local and international rivals. According to Reuters, the review will be carried out by Mexico’s antitrust commission.

    The comments follow a report last week in which Reuters exclusively revealed that the country’s two busiest airlines had reached an agreement to form a new low-cost airline group. Per Reuters, the deal would bring together a substantial share of Mexico’s domestic passenger traffic under a single holding structure.

    Under the arrangement, Viva Aerobus and Volaris would create a joint entity called Grupo Más Vuelos, aimed at consolidating their operations and cutting costs. The group plans to broaden its footprint not only in Mexico but also across the United States, Central America, South America and the Caribbean. According to Reuters, the two carriers together account for roughly 70% of domestic passenger traffic in Mexico.

    Related: Mexico’s Antitrust Commission OKs Allegiant Airlines-Viva Aerobus Deal

    Volaris Chairman Enrique Beltranera said the structure would strengthen the airlines’ bargaining position with suppliers and improve their ability to compete. “The beauty of this transaction is that we are very similar airlines, so it will be a win-win for passengers,” he said during a press conference on Friday.

    Viva Aerobus Chief Executive Juan Carlos Zuazua said the partnership would help reduce aircraft ownership costs, which he described as the largest expense for airlines, even exceeding fuel. He stressed that the changes would not undermine the low-cost model that both carriers have followed for more than a decade, according to Reuters.

    Executives from both companies declined to speculate on the conditions that Mexican and U.S. regulators might impose before approving the alliance. However, they expect the transaction to be completed in 2026, per Reuters.

    Source: Reuters