Volaris Reports February 2026 Traffic Results: Load Factor of 86%
MWN-AI** Summary
Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. ("Volaris"), the leading ultra-low-cost carrier in Mexico, released its preliminary traffic results for February 2026, highlighting continued growth in international travel despite challenges in the domestic market. In February, Volaris reported a 1.0% increase in available seat miles (ASM), and revenue passenger miles (RPM) grew by 1.5%. While domestic RPMs fell by 5.4%, international RPMs surged by 12.6%, indicating a robust recovery and demand for cross-border travel.
The overall load factor for February improved by 0.5 percentage points year-over-year to 85.7%, thanks in part to strategic capacity adjustments. Mexican domestic load factors remained stable at 89.1%, while international flights achieved a substantial load factor of 81.4%, a notable increase from the previous year, confirming the effectiveness of Volaris's international growth strategy.
During the month, Volaris successfully transported 2.3 million passengers, reflecting a 4.1% increase compared to the same period last year. President and CEO Enrique Beltranena commented on the disciplined capacity deployment that aligned with demand, particularly in the domestic sector, which contributed to the growth in RPMs outpacing capacity.
Looking ahead, Beltranena expressed optimism about the booking trends for 2026, particularly with the upcoming Semana Santa and spring season, forecasting sustained strong performance driven by Hispanic visiting friends and relatives (VFR) and leisure travelers. With its continuous expansion through increased flight segments and a focus on low fares, Volaris remains well-positioned to capture market share across its extensive routes connecting Mexico and neighboring regions.
Investors are encouraged to stay updated through Volaris's investor relations website for further developments and insights as the company navigates the evolving aviation landscape.
MWN-AI** Analysis
Volaris (NYSE: VLRS) has reported traffic results for February 2026, revealing a consolidated load factor of 85.7%, a year-over-year increase of 0.5 percentage points. This performance, marked by a 1.0% increase in Available Seat Miles (ASMs) and a 1.5% rise in Revenue Passenger Miles (RPMs), indicates a solid outcome propelling Volaris through a competitive aviation landscape.
While domestic RPMs dipped by 5.4%, the international sector showcased dynamic growth with RPMs rising 12.6%. This suggests that Volaris’ strategy of enhancing cross-border operations is gaining traction, underscoring the company’s resilience amidst changing consumer preferences. Furthermore, the international load factor surged to 81.4%, reflecting a recovering demand that aligns with favorable booking trends highlighted by CEO Enrique Beltranena.
With a noted capacity decrease in the domestic segment, which led to the international market's rapid recovery, Volaris has positioned itself effectively to capitalize on the promising upcoming spring travel season. The increasing momentum among Hispanic VFR and leisure travelers serves as a strong demand driver.
Investors should note that despite slight declines in some domestic metrics, the uptick in international travel and stable load factors present opportunities for potential growth. The competitive environment in Latin America also emphasizes Volaris’ unique ultra-low-cost business model, which allows it to adjust capacity in response to demand.
As we look ahead, the anticipated passenger surge during Semana Santa could further boost performance. However, potential investors and stakeholders should remain cognizant of market volatility and external economic influences affecting travel demand. In summary, Volaris presents a compelling investment opportunity, yet prudent assessment of market conditions is recommended before making investment decisions.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
MEXICO CITY, March 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR) (“Volaris” or “the Company”), the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) serving Mexico, the United States, Central and South America, reports its February 2026 preliminary traffic results.
In February, Volaris’ ASM capacity increased 1.0%, while RPMs for the month grew 1.5%. Mexican domestic RPMs declined 5.4%, while international RPMs increased 12.6%. Consolidated load factor increased by 0.5 percentage points year-over-year to 85.7%. During the month, Volaris transported 2.3 million passengers.
Enrique Beltranena, Volaris’ President and CEO, said: “February reflected disciplined capacity deployment aligned with demand across our network, especially in the domestic market, where the capacity adjustments paid off. As a result, RPM growth outpaced capacity growth in the month. The international market demonstrated continued momentum, validating our ongoing cross-border strategy, as reflected in the continued recovery in load factors. Load factors for international hit 81.4% in February, demonstrating continued demand recovery from last year.
“Booking trends in 2026 have remained healthy, with momentum building into Semana Santa and the spring season among our Hispanic VFR and leisure passengers, giving us confidence in sustained strong performance as we move through the first half of the year.”
| Feb 2026 | Feb 2025 | Variance | YTD Feb 2026 | YTD Feb 2025 | Variance | ||||||||
| RPMs (million, scheduled & charter) | |||||||||||||
| Domestic | 1,307 | 1,381 | (5.4%) | 2,848 | 2,939 | (3.1%) | |||||||
| International | 964 | 856 | 12.6% | 2,145 | 1,963 | 9.3% | |||||||
| Total | 2,271 | 2,237 | 1.5% | 4,992 | 4,902 | 1.8% | |||||||
| ASMs (million, scheduled & charter) | |||||||||||||
| Domestic | 1,467 | 1,548 | (5.2%) | 3,227 | 3,322 | (2.9%) | |||||||
| International | 1,184 | 1,078 | 9.9% | 2,634 | 2,381 | 10.6% | |||||||
| Total | 2,651 | 2,625 | 1.0% | 5,860 | 5,703 | 2.8% | |||||||
| Load Factor (%, RPMs/ASMs) | |||||||||||||
| Domestic | 89.1% | 89.2% | (0.1) pp | 88.3% | 88.5% | (0.2) pp | |||||||
| International | 81.4% | 79.4% | 2.0 pp | 81.4% | 82.4% | (1.0) pp | |||||||
| Total | 85.7% | 85.2% | 0.5 pp | 85.2% | 85.9% | (0.7) pp | |||||||
| Passengers (thousand, scheduled & charter) | |||||||||||||
| Domestic | 1,649 | 1,644 | 0.4% | 3,548 | 3,477 | 2.1% | |||||||
| International | 668 | 583 | 14.7% | 1,490 | 1,347 | 10.6% | |||||||
| Total | 2,318 | 2,226 | 4.1% | 5,038 | 4,823 | 4.4% | |||||||
The information included in this report has not been audited and does not provide information on the Company’s future performance. Volaris’ future performance depends on several factors. It cannot be inferred that any period performance or its year-over-year comparison will indicate a similar performance in the future. Figures are rounded for convenience purposes.
Glossary
Revenue passenger miles (RPMs): Number of seats booked by passengers multiplied by the number of miles flown.
Available seat miles (ASMs): Number of seats available for passengers multiplied by the number of miles flown.
Load factor: RPMs divided by ASMs and expressed as a percentage.
Passengers: The total number of passengers booked on all flight segments.
VFR: Visiting friends and relatives.
Investor Relations Contact
Liliana Juárez / ir@volaris.com
Media Contact
Ricardo Flores / rflores@gcya.net
About Volaris
*Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación, S.A.B. de C.V. (“Volaris” or “the Company”) (NYSE: VLRS and BMV: VOLAR) is an ultra-low-cost carrier, with point-to-point operations, serving Mexico, the United States, Central, and South America. Volaris offers low base fares to build its market, providing quality service and extensive customer choice. Since the beginning of operations in March 2006, Volaris has increased its routes from 5 to more than 257 and its fleet from 4 to 155 aircraft. Volaris offers around 500 daily flight segments on routes that connect 46 cities in Mexico and 30 cities in the United States, Central, and South America, with one of the youngest fleets in Mexico. Volaris targets passengers who are visiting friends and relatives, cost-conscious business and leisure travelers in Mexico, the United States, Central, and South America. For more information, please visit ir.volaris.com. Volaris routinely posts information that may be important to investors on its investor relations website. The Company encourages investors and potential investors to consult the Volaris website regularly for important information about Volaris.
FAQ**
How do the preliminary traffic results for February 2026, reported by Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación S.A.B. de C.V. American Depositary Shares each representing ten Ordinary Participation Certificates VLRS, impact the company's overall growth strategy moving forward?
With a domestic RPM decline of 5.4% and an international RPM increase of 12.6%, how is Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación S.A.B. de C.V. American Depositary Shares each representing ten Ordinary Participation Certificates VLRS planning to balance capacity deployment?
Given the continued recovery in load factors and the strong performance in the international market, what steps is Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación S.A.B. de C.V. American Depositary Shares each representing ten Ordinary Participation Certificates VLRS taking to enhance customer engagement?
How will the peak travel trends during Semana Santa and spring season influence the planned adjustments by Controladora Vuela Compañía de Aviación S.A.B. de C.V. American Depositary Shares each representing ten Ordinary Participation Certificates VLRS in terms of capacity and services?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Controladora Vuela Compania de Aviacion S.A.B. de C.V. American Depositary Shares each representing ten Ordinary Participation Certificates (NYSE: VLRS).
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