From David Volz
On July 1, officials from Miami-Dade County and Mexican low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus celebrated the airline’s first departure from Miami International Airport with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a traditional mariachi performance. Viva Aerobus now provides three-weekly flights every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from MIA to Monterrey, and will begin two weekly flights every Tuesday and Saturday to Merida on July 2. The routes will be served by the airline’s A320 and A321 aircraft with 186 and 240 seats, respectively.
“I proudly welcome Viva Aerobus and its five weekly flights to Miami-Dade County, which will provide our residents and visitors with another convenient travel option to Mexico,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “For decades, Mexico has ranked among MIA’s three busiest international travel markets, and I am excited to see Viva Aerobus meet that strong demand with its new service to Monterrey and Merida. Viva Mexico!”
Mexico was MIA’s third-largest international market in 2023, responsible for nearly 1.6 million of the airport’s passengers last year. Viva Aerobus will join American Airlines in providing weekly flights from MIA to Monterrey and Merida.
“This is an example of the importance to expand the Florida-Mexico Tourism alliance,” said Eliel Campuzano Mendiola, Acting Consul General for Mexico in Miami. “We are proud to promote responsible vacation destinies and have thousands of people in this sector and hospitality working and meeting the demands of this important industry. I want to underline that Monterrey, in the state of Nuevo Leon, is considered the industrial and business hub of Mexico, as well as an important educational center. It is home to prominent business groups and renowned universities, and a destination where more than 4,100 foreign companies have successfully established themselves. Monterrey is ranked 13th regionally and 122nd globally in Quality of Life.”
The low-cost carrier is also the fourth airline to launch passenger service at MIA this year, joining Condor Airlines, LEVEL, and Avelo Airlines. Based in Monterrey, Viva Aerobus started operations in 2006 and expects to operate 190 daily flights in 2024.
“We are excited to begin operating these new routes, connecting Miami to Viva Aerobus’ hometown of Monterrey, as well as the beautiful city of Merida, in the Yucatan peninsula,” said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus. “Miami is a key part of our major expansion strategy in the US, as these routes will allow passengers to fly non-stop and low fares between these regions, plus allowing them to connect through our Monterrey and Merida hubs to over 30 key destinations in Mexico, including its biggest cities and most popular leisure destinations.”
