Translated from the original Spanish article. Read in Spanish
News published on October 29, 2026. The situation may have changed since then.
Volaris, Mexico's low-cost airline, has a curious problem: it is selling more than ever, but it keeps losing money.
The numbers
Between July and September 2026, its revenue reached 1,038 million dollars, 32% more than last year. It is the first time it has topped 1 billion in a quarter.
Even so, it lost 26 million dollars. And so far this year, from January to September, the loss reaches 225 million, more than double the same period of 2025, when it lost 108.
Fuel is one of the biggest costs for any airline, and it weighs even more for low-cost carriers.
Fuel is to blame
Spending on fuel rose 72% in the quarter, to 377 million dollars. Each gallon cost it an average of 4.10 dollars, 57% more.
The good news
It's not all bad. The company returned to operating profit, meaning it makes money on its flights before paying interest and other costs. It also cut its loss by about 80% from the previous quarter and has 823 million dollars in cash.
What it means for you
When fuel goes up, airlines usually raise ticket prices or charge more for extras like luggage.
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Sources (in Spanish)
- Resultados del tercer trimestre: El Universal y GlobeNewswire vía Manila Times (26 y 27 de octubre de 2026).
- Pérdida de enero a septiembre: El Imparcial.
- Precio del combustible por galón: Sociedad Noticias.
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