Avianca Comes to the Aid as Spirit Shutdown Hits Latin America

‍MIAMI — Spirit Airlines’ (NK) shutdown is not only a U.S. aviation story. It also shows how deeply the ultra-low-cost carrier has embedded itself in several Latin American markets, particularly those tied to South Florida and high-volume VFR traffic.

As U.S. airlines move to cap fares and absorb some displaced customers domestically, AV has emerged as the most visible Latin American network carrier offering a formal return option for affected passengers.

Avianca offer seats for returning ex-Spirit guests

On May 2, AV announced that, “in response to the situation facing Spirit Airlines” it was “making its route network and seat capacity available to the authorities and affected passengers [who had already begun their journeys and hold return tickets for travel between May 2 and May 16] to help mitigate the impact and support the continuity of travelers’ plans.”

Thee support is subject to verification, seat availability, and presentation at the airport on the original travel date or up to one day earlier. AV will waive ticket fares but passengers are responsible applicable charges such as taxes and admin fees.

The Colombian flag carrier joins American (AA), United (UA), Delta (DL), JetBlue (B6), Frontier (F9), and Southwest (WN) in offering capped or reduced fares for affected Spirit travelers.

The regional impact

Avianca's response is important because Spirit’s presence in Latin America was more extensive than its low-cost reputation implied.

Cirium data from Spirit’s 2025 network shows the most affected countries by seat capacity include Mexico, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and Honduras, followed by Guatemala, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. 

The impact in the southern neighboring nation is focused on Cancún (CUN). Colombia’s exposure spans Bogotá (BOG), Medellín (MDE), Cartagena (CTG), Barranquilla (BAQ), Cali (CLO), Bucaramanga (BGA), and Armenia (AXM). The Dominican Republic is primarily affected in Punta Cana (PUJ), Santo Domingo (SDQ), and Santiago (STI).

Avianca coming in is important. In addition to decreasing affordable options in a single market, Spirit's demise is severing ties between Florida and several leisure and diaspora locations around Latin America and the Caribbean.