According to Esther Brol, coordinator of the Tourism Board of the Guatemala No Se Detiene (GNSD) program, the departure of Spirit Airlines (which ceased operations on May 2) could result in an increase in average fares on certain routes, a temporary reduction in seat availability and a possible slowdown in these specific segments.
However, He said that Guatemala maintains a solid demand, particularly from the United States, Therefore, it considers that the structural impact could be limited if the market responds quickly.
Statistics from the General Directorate of Civil Aeronautics (DGAC) reflect that in 2025 and in the first quarter of 2026 Spirit represented more than 5% of flights (takeoffs and landings) carried out at La Aurora International Airport (AILA) in those periods.
Regarding what actions they should promote to attract other lines or fill the gap left in the offer by the exit of operations of said airline, Brol explained that this context represents an opportunity to strengthen the country’s air competitiveness with a strategic vision.
Rather than reacting with isolated measures, Guatemala must consolidate a sustained and competitive air connectivity strategy, he said, mentioning some key actions:
- Evaluate, within the framework of a vision of country competitiveness, the costs and operating conditions of air transport.
- Promote programs to attract new routes through public-private collaboration schemes.
- Strengthen international promotion in a segmented manner, prioritizing markets and strategic routes.
- Improve the passenger experience and facilitation processes, such as migration and airport operations.
- Promote intraregional connectivity as part of an integrated tourism strategy in Central America.
- Modernize legislation on civil aeronautics, seeking a clear separation between operation functions and those of regulation and administration, aligned with best international practices.
The coordinator of the GNSD Tourism Board, consulted about the possible reconfiguration of the sector in Guatemala after the departure of Spirit, He said that in the short term it is foreseeable that airlines that already operate in the country, especially on routes to the United States, seek to absorb part of the demand through adjustments in frequencies or rates. However, he warned that the ultra-low-cost segment is not easily replaceable, since it responds to highly specialized operating structures.
In the medium-term scenario, it considers that the market could be reconfigured towards a greater participation of traditional airlines and intermediate models between low cost and full service, as well as the possible entry of new operators interested in serving this niche.
However, he explained that more than a contraction, this type of event usually generates a recomposition of the market.
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Regarding the effect on the entry or exit of tourists due to the cancellation of operations of this low-cost line, it is considered that it can have an impact, mainly in the short term, since low-cost airlines play a key role in facilitating access to air transportation for price-sensitive travelers, including trips to visit family and friends, especially linked to the Guatemalan diaspora, as well as new segments that access air transportation thanks to more accessible rates.
The vision and concerns of an airline
In the case of Ronny Rodríguez, director of corporate development for Volaris in Central America, he explained that It is necessary that in Guatemala and the rest of the Central American countries aspects be taken into account to promote the operation of airlinesamong these, structural conditions such as a modern Civil Aviation law, efficient and fast procedures, airport conditions, as well as airport taxes and costs.
He explained that it is important that all these aspects are valued by the Government; However, he clarified that this does not mean that Guatemala has bad conditions at this time, but it does require the modernization of the Civil Aviation Lawwhich he believes would be a competitive advantage.
He also indicated that a review of taxes must be maintainedsince the presence of low-cost airlines is very important, because their arrival at a destination generates greater competitiveness or lower prices, which allows more people to travel.
For example, aspects such as the void left by Spirit, a new modern and efficient Civil Aviation Law, and the improvements promoted by the Government at La Aurora Airport can generate very positive conditions for the airline industry to grow in Guatemala, Rodríguez added.
Regarding Volaris’ interest in filling the remaining space, he said that they must analyze it, but that it could expand its offer in the medium term. However, he pointed out that there are factors that must be taken into account, such as taxes, regulatory costs or some infrastructure limitations.
“In Guatemala there is an effort by the government to improve airport conditions, it must be recognized, but there are still limitations to greater supply, and we are always very attentive to the decisions that the government (of Guatemala) and that of the Central American countries make on the issue of taxes, airport conditions or regulatory issues.”
Spirit Data
According to industry data, Spirit used A321 aircraft with a capacity of 222 passengers in its operations in Guatemala.
In April it had eight weekly one-way flights; Of these, four were to Fort Lauderdale and four to Orlando, and eight back, which made an average of more than 64 flights per month.
The DGAC recorded that in 2025, 34,903 commercial flights were carried out at AILA—between landings and takeoffs—from 16 commercial airlines that operated in Guatemala. Of these, 1,958 were from Spirit (5.6%).
From January to March 2026, the total number of commercial flights was 8,697, of which 446 (5.1%) were Spirit.
This company represented the biggest competitor of the four low-cost lines that until April operated from Guatemala to the United States.
In the case of Guatemala, Spirit Airlines had consolidated a relevant presence in the low-cost segment, connecting mainly cities in Florida, as well as Houston, from AILA, Brol added.
He indicated that between 2022 and 2026 the airline went from operating around 52 to 84 flights monthly, reflecting sustained growth in demand.
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Its aircraft represented around 1,600 weekly seats on routes with a strong link with the Guatemalan diaspora.
“In general terms, Guatemala moves around 4 to 4.5 million passengers annually at La Aurora International Airport, with the United States being its main issuing market,” indicated the GNSD executive.
“This context allows us to see that Spirit’s departure is not marginalparticularly on specific routes where it contributed to maintaining competitive rates and expanding access to air transportation.”