Avianca bans Colombian influencer from service after Madrid flight incident

Colombian airline Avianca has banned influencer Yeferson Cossio from flying with them for one year, until August 21, 2027. The decision follows an incident on March 11 where Cossio activated a device that emitted a chemical odor during a flight from Bogotá to Madrid.

Avianca stated that Cossio accepted the prohibition and offered apologies to the airline and flight crew. These apologies were part of a restorative justice process that concluded the legal action Avianca had filed against the influencer on March 29.

Cossio, who has over twelve million followers, explained the incident involved a "stink bomb" that accidentally depressurized. He asserted it posed no real risk to the aircraft or the flight's continuity, as its effect was temporary and limited. However, Avianca maintained that the conduct "affected the safety, comfort, order, and discipline on board, as well as the flight's sanitation."

The airline reiterated its commitment to fostering a culture of respect and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that compromises safety or violates aviation regulations.