The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the airline industry worldwide, and Latin American airlines are no exception. The travel restrictions and reduced demand for air travel have led to many airlines in the region to face financial difficulties and, unfortunately, cease operations. In this article, we will discuss which Latin American airlines have ceased operations since 2020.
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Avianca Brasil
Avianca Brasil was a Brazilian airline that operated domestic and international flights. It was a subsidiary of Avianca Holdings, a Colombian airline. However, in May 2019, the airline filed for bankruptcy protection due to financial difficulties. Despite efforts to restructure and find new investors, Avianca Brasil announced in July 2019 that it would cease operations permanently.
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LATAM Argentina
LATAM Airlines Group, one of the largest airlines in Latin America, announced in June 2020 that it would cease operations of its Argentine subsidiary due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The airline had been operating domestic and international flights in Argentina since 2015. The decision was made after failing to reach an agreement with the Argentine government regarding a bailout.
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Flybondi
Flybondi was an ultra-low-cost Argentine airline that operated domestic and international flights. The airline launched operations in 2018 and quickly became one of the fastest-growing airlines in Argentina. However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline announced in March 2021 that it would suspend operations indefinitely.
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Level
Level was a low-cost airline owned by International Airlines Group (IAG), which also owns British Airways and Iberia. The airline operated flights from Barcelona to destinations in North and South America, including Buenos Aires and Santiago de Chile. However, in June 2020, IAG announced that it would cease operations of Level due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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One-Two-Go Airlines
One-Two-Go Airlines was a low-cost airline based in Thailand that operated domestic and international flights, including flights to several destinations in Latin America. The airline was owned by Orient Thai Airlines, which also ceased operations in 2020. The decision to cease operations of One-Two-Go Airlines was made in 2010 after a fatal crash in Phuket, Thailand, in which 89 people died.
Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the airline industry worldwide, and Latin American airlines have not been immune to this impact. The airlines mentioned above are just a few examples of the many airlines that have ceased operations in the region due to financial difficulties caused by the pandemic. As the world continues to deal with the ongoing effects of the pandemic, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the airline industry in Latin America and beyond.
