Colombia: Struggling low-cost airline Viva Air suspends ops, leaving thousands stranded

Struggling low-cost airline Viva Air has suspended its operations in Colombia and Peru, leaving thousands of passengers stranded Tuesday in airports with little support.

airline, owned by same group that owns Ryanair, said in a statement late Monday that it grounded its flights after latest delay by Colombian authorities in approving airline's requested merger with Avianca, Colombia's main carrier.

Earlier this month Viva h grounded five of its planes and suspended dozens of flights.

Viva said it has given Colombian government plenty of evidence of its dire financial situation and that it can continue only if it merges with larger airline. “But Colombian government's decision jeopardizes future of low-cost airlines in Colombia and threatens jobs of 5,000 people," statement said.

Viva and Avianca last year requested a permit from Colombia's aviation authority to merge ir companies, but deal has faced obstacles from government regulators who fear it could restrict competition in airline market.

Last month, Viva h a 20 per cent share of Colombia's air passenger market, while Avianca controlled about 40 per cent.

Viva was founded in 2009, and ran flights to Colombia's largest cities, as well flights to Peru, Mexico, Argentina and Florida. In Peru, Viva's subsidiary, Viva Air Peru, also ran domestic flights to cities like Cuzco.

On Tuesday dozens of angry passengers protested outside Viva's counters at airports in Bogota and Medellin, where y briefly blocked access to international departures terminal. A small number were moved to flights on or airlines.

“Viva is a shameless airline,” said Guillermo boa, a Peruvian university student who h booked a flight from Bogota to Lima on Monday night.

boa said his flight was canceled without warning and that he h to sleep in airport. He said airline representatives gave him a form to register for a refund but told him it would take at least eight days to get his money back.

With his funds depleted, boa waited to be transferred to ar airline, and said Viva provided support with food or accommodation.

“I have to return to Peru to register for next semester and register for an internship” he said. “But w I have clue when I'll be able to go back home."