Latin American low-cost carrier Viva is suspending its operations with immediate effect.

According to the company’s February 27 statement, the decision is based on ‘delays in making a decision’ by Columbian CAA Aerocivil, following the communication issued by the authority recognising Wingo, Aerolíneas Argentinas, Ultra Air, LATAM Colombia and JetSMART as ‘interested third parties’ in the integration process of Avianca and Viva.

Viva said ‘this unprecedented decision’ by the entity would result in further delays to the resolution of the procedure but said it would continue to work with creditors and will seek to preserve its ability to restart operations at a future date, ‘assuming that the Civil Aeronautics immediately approves the pending alliance’.

“After more than seven months of delays by the entity, Viva has presented numerous pieces of evidence to the Colombian government to demonstrate that it is in a critical financial situation, asserting that the only way it can continue flying is for Aeronáutica Civil to allow it to become part of a stronger, well-capitalised group of airlines.

Instead, its decision calls into question the future of low-cost air service in Colombia and jeopardises the jobs of more than 5,000 Colombians who directly and indirectly depend on Viva” the statement reads.

“We are at this point because of repeated delays by the Civil Aeronautics and its inability to recognize that what is best for Viva is also best for all Colombians” said the airline, noting that it  had presented the request for integration with Avianca in August 2022.