Beware of Airline Scams

Volaris and VivaAerobus are warning about the increasing rise in ticket fraud, especially during peak seasons, where 90 percent of cases involve supposed travel agencies.

Enrique Beltranena, CEO of Volaris, mentioned that surveys indicate that cyber fraud in Mexico affects 23 percent of respondents, meaning that one in three people has been a victim of this crime. At Volaris, 42 percent of all complaints the airline receives are related to some form of fraud.

Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of VivaAerobus, acknowledged that electronic fraud is very common in the travel industry, particularly in e-commerce, and that there is concern over customers falling victim to scams.

The companies will launch a fraud prevention campaign targeting the purchase of tickets through social media, fake airline websites, individuals posing as airline personnel, and through supposed travel agencies.

ENGINE ISSUES

It may take until 2026 for Mexican airlines to normalize capacity due to the Pratt & Whitney engine crisis. This crisis has affected 60 airlines globally, according to VivaAerobus and Volaris.

Due to this situation, VivaAerobus has about 21 planes grounded for engine inspections, while Volaris had between 30 and 34 aircraft out of a fleet of 135 affected during the first half of the year, the executives stated.