Viva Aerobus Announces Nonstop Service to Monterrey, Mexico

Mexico’s ultra-low-cost carrier, Viva Aerobus, announced its arrival to Austin by launching nonstop flights to Monterrey, Mexico. Starting on March 22, 2024, this year-round service will operate four days per week. Viva Aerobus now joins Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as Central Texas’ 22nd airline and eighth international airline.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Viva Aerobus to Austin and Central Texas,” said City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson. “This is an exciting investment that furthers our mission to provide world-class services and experiences for locals and visitors alike, ensuring Austin is a destination that inspires and welcomes the world.”

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently reinstated Mexico’s aviation safety rating to the highest level and Mexican airlines may now operate under a Category 1 safety rating.

“We are excited to start flying to new cities in the US as part of our major expansion strategy in this country, encouraging passengers to take advantage of our increased connectivity, low fares and modern fleet”, said Juan Carlos Zuazua, CEO of Viva Aerobus. “This new route not only connects two individual cities but provides Austin and Central Texas passengers with a wide range of connecting flights that link Monterrey to over 30 key destinations to discover Mexico. It also represents more opportunities for Mexican travelers to enjoy the beauty of the capital of the Lone Star State of Texas, serving leisure, VFR, and business markets; thus boosting local tourism and economy,” he added.

Founded in 2006, Viva Aerobus will land in Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with options for passengers that go beyond low fares. The carrier gives passengers the ability to customize travel to their needs and budget; the opportunity to fly in the youngest fleet in Mexico and 4th in all of North America, made up of 78 Airbus aircraft; and offers a loyalty and reward program, Doters, which makes flying easier and more beneficial.

Nonstop flights between the two cities are scheduled to take off from Austin at 2:35 PM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with return flights from Monterrey landing in Austin at 1:25 PM on the same days. The route will be serviced by the airline’s family of Airbus A320 aircraft, which boasts the largest single-aisle cabin in the skies, giving passengers more space, wider seats and larger overhead compartments. 

“Our airport has worked with airlines over the years to connect our valued passengers to new destinations and possibilities and we’ve been eager to launch this one,” said Ghizlane Badawi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of AUS. “We are excited to partner with Viva Aerobus to better serve our passengers traveling to Mexico and beyond. We are grateful to our airline partners for their investment in our community.”

As the demand for international travel grows in Central Texas, AUS has launched an improvement project for the International Arrivals facility. The project, which is currently in design, will add more baggage carousels and increase space for passenger processing to improve the experience for arriving international passengers. These upgrades are part of the airport’s plan to deliver near-term improvements to the Barbara Jordan terminal through the Journey With AUS program.