Hurricane Erick’s Impact on Flights in Mexico
Hurricane Erick, which made landfall as a Category 3 storm on Oaxaca’s coast on Thursday, June 19, 2025, caused flight cancellations and delays to multiple destinations in Mexico’s Pacific region, including Guerrero and Oaxaca. Airlines such as Viva Aerobus, Volaris, and Aeromexico suspended operations in these areas’ airports. The International Airport of Mexico City (AICM) and Zihuatanejo also alerted users about potential disruptions.
Although Erick has weakened to a low-pressure system, remaining over Ciudad Altamirano, Guerrero, with sustained winds of up to 45 km/h, torrential rains and elevated waves will continue in Guerrero and Oaxaca. This may lead to landslides, overflows, and flooding in low-lying areas. Heavy rains are also expected in Michoacán, southern Puebla, Veracruz, and Chiapas.
Profeco’s Guidelines for Passengers
The Federal Proconsular Office (Profeco) states that airlines must respect passengers’ rights in case of flight disruptions or cancellations. If a cancellation is the airline’s fault, passengers can demand:
- Full or partial refund plus a minimum compensation of 25%.
- Substitute transportation, food, accommodation, and ground transfer.
- Date change with a minimum compensation of 25%.
For delays exceeding 4 hours, the same rights apply. For delays between 2 and 4 hours, airlines must offer discounts of at least 7.5% off the ticket value; if a delay surpasses an hour, they must provide food and beverages.
Passengers also have the right to:
- Clear and timely information.
- Cancellation without penalty within the first 24 hours after purchase.
- Free baggage handling (15 or 25 kg depending on the aircraft).
- Compensation paid within 10 natural days.
Airline-Specific Policies
Viva Aerobus: Change, Refund, or Electronic Certificate
In response to Hurricane Erick’s conditions, Viva Aerobus activated its “Flex-SÍ-bilidad” policy for flights between June 18 and 20 to/from affected destinations. They offer:
- Free date change up to 30 days afterward
- Full refund of the purchase (valid June 18-24)
- Electronic certificate for 125% of the ticket value (also valid June 18-24)
- Does not cover additional expenses like accommodation or transportation, and only allows one change per customer
Volaris: Refund, Voucher, or Date Change
Volaris canceled flights to Acapulco, Huatulco, Puerto Escondido, and Zihuatanejo, offering:
- Full refund
- 125% value voucher of the ticket
- Free date change
- Notifying passengers via email or WhatsApp
Aeromexico: No Charges for Date or Route Change
Aeromexico implemented a protection policy for passengers with flights from June 18 to 20 to/from Huatulco, Oaxaca, Acapulco, or Zihuatanejo. It allows:
- Free date or route change, respecting the cabin
- Waiver of charges for ticket issuance
- Tariff difference if the new trip occurs outside the allowed period
Aeromexico is not responsible for additional expenses like accommodation or transportation.
Where to Seek Support
Profeco offers assistance through:
- Consumer Hotline: 5568 8722 / 01 800 468 8722
- Email: [email protected]
- On-site modules at airports
Despite the extraordinary nature of a meteorological phenomenon, airlines are obligated to respect consumers’ rights. Stay in touch with your airline and check your flight status regularly.
