Volaris Faces Union Pushback as Airbus Delays and Viva Expands

This week in aerospace news: Mexican pilot unions are intensifying pressure on the federal government after AFAC approved Volaris to operate domestic routes with foreign captains. Venezuela has filed a formal complaint with ICAO following US remarks asserting its airspace should be closed. Airbus has resolved flight-control data issues affecting nearly 6,000 A320-family aircraft but faces new delivery delays due to fuselage panel quality problems. Viva averaged 21 grounded jets per month between September 2023 and October 2025 due to Pratt & Whitney engine recalls, while the airline announced two new international routes from AIFA to Cartagena and Medellin starting June 2026.

More news below:

Unions Escalate Pressure Over AFAC’s Approval of Foreign Pilots

Mexican pilot unions have intensified pressure on the federal government after the Federal Civil Aviation Agency (AFAC) authorized Volaris to operate domestic routes with foreign captains under a wet-lease arrangement. The approval allows crews from Malta and Lithuania to operate at least seven Volaris aircraft for 43 days between December and mid-January, sparking public demonstrations and concerns about long-term implications for labor protections and aviation policy.

Venezuela Challenges Trump Airspace Claim in ICAO Filing

Venezuela has filed a formal complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) following remarks by US President Donald Trump asserting that the country’s airspace should be considered closed. The development has intensified an ongoing dispute involving ICAO, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and several international airlines.

Airbus Resolves A320 Data Issues but Faces New Delivery Delays

Airbus has resolved most of the required modifications to nearly 6,000 in-service A320-family aircraft after identifying a flight-control data vulnerability linked to solar radiation, even as a separate industrial quality issue affects fuselage panels on several dozen jets awaiting delivery, according to industry sources. Together, the developments have caused operational disruptions for airlines and added pressure on Airbus as it works to meet its 2024 delivery target.

Viva Averaged 21 Grounded Jets Monthly Amid Pratt Engine Recalls

Viva averaged 21.3 grounded aircraft per month between September 2023 and October 2025 due to recalls of Pratt & Whitney PW1100G and PW1400G engines, according to a technical and financial analysis by aviation consultant Armando Sánchez Mata.

Monterrey Airport Targets 50% Cut in Wait Times by June 2026

The Monterrey International Airport plans to reduce wait times by up to 50% in security, check-in, baggage screening, immigration, and customs by June 2026 as part of an operational upgrade tied to the 2026 World Cup, according to Raful Zacarías, director, Airport Operations at Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte (OMA). Zacarías said the initiative is designed to manage the expected surge in international arrivals while delivering lasting improvements for travelers. 

Viva Adds AIFA Flights to Cartagena and Medellin in 2026

Viva announced two new international routes that will connect the Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA) with Cartagena and Medellin starting in June 2026. The airline said the expansion supports AIFA’s goal of increasing international service and strengthening travel and commercial ties between Mexico and Colombia, currently the third-largest source of visitors to Mexico.

Mexicana Revenue Met Only 29.5% of 3Q25 Operating Costs

Mexicana de Aviación financed less than one-third of its operating costs with its own revenue in the third quarter of 2025, according to recently released financial statements. The airline generated MX$297.6 million (US$16.2 million), enough to cover only 29.5% of its MX$1.01 billion in operating expenses. The rest was funded through allocations from the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA), which now supports most of the carrier’s day-to-day operations.