The Mexican airline Volaris has reported a temporary slowdown in the number of travelers visiting the United States in the first quarter, pointing to uncertainty surrounding immigration policies as a factor affecting its financial results. President and CEO Enrique Beltranena mentioned that although their passengers are legal travelers between Mexico and the United States, concerns and noise around border policies have created greater caution in travel decisions.
Beltranena also highlighted that they have faced similar challenges in the past and expect this to be a period of adjustment that will eventually stabilize in the short term. These comments underscore how President Donald Trump's immigration policies are having repercussions in other countries, as Volaris also connects to destinations in Central and South America.
The airline has noticed a decline in traffic and willingness to travel both in Mexico and the United States, as mentioned by Executive Vice President of Operations Holger Blankenstein during the call to discuss fourth-quarter results. Additionally, factors such as the Easter season occurring in the second quarter and a weaker Mexican peso are expected to influence the results for the first three months of the year.
In the fourth quarter, Volaris recorded a profit of 46 million dollars, representing a 59% decrease compared to the same period the previous year, missing prior estimates. Trump has expressed his intention to carry out an unprecedented mass deportation effort, which also impacts the situation.
Regarding the affected destinations, it is worth noting that flights to Seattle, Chicago, and Los Angeles are some of the services provided by Volaris in U.S. cities.
