Effective April 12, 2026, the ultra-low-cost airline Volaris has indefinitely suspended its direct routes within Central America. This decision marks a significant shift in regional air connectivity, primarily affecting operations from its bases in El Salvador and Costa Rica.
According to company executives, such as Ronny Rodríguez (General Manager of Volaris El Salvador), the determining factor has been the unsustainable burden of taxes and airport fees. In some cases, departure taxes and government fees represent up to 57% of the ticket price. These tax burdens prevent the airline from maintaining the low fares that characterize its operations, limiting its ability to compete and penetrate the regional market.
The suspension impacts key flights connecting Central American capitals with each other and with destinations in the United States operated from the region. From El Salvador, direct flights to Guatemala City, San José (Costa Rica), and San Pedro Sula (Honduras) are canceled. Volaris will maintain its routes from Central America to Mexico and the United States (excluding the suspended connections from Costa Rica), operating under its certifications in Mexico and El Salvador.
As a preventative measure, passengers with flights scheduled after January 21, 2026, can check their protection or refund options through Volaris’ official channels. This move reflects a challenging macroeconomic environment for the sector, where rising operating costs and tax pressures are redefining the Central American air travel landscape.
Source: envuelomexico
