Renowned Colombian influencer Yeferson Cossio has been officially placed on the no-fly list and is facing a lawsuit from Colombia’s national airline, Avianca, following a ‘stink bomb’ incident on an international flight to Madrid, Spain. The event highlights the airline’s firm stance on maintaining flight safety.
Incident Recap: The Bogotá to Madrid Flight Disruption
The incident occurred on March 11 of that year, aboard Avianca flight AV46 from the Colombian capital, Bogotá, to Madrid, Spain. During the flight, a device commonly known as a ‘stink bomb’ released a strong chemical odor inside the cabin, immediately causing alarm among the crew and discomfort for passengers.
According to a subsequent statement from the airline, the event happened while the aircraft was over the Atlantic Ocean. Being far from any available diversion airports, any potential safety risk could have led to extremely severe consequences, significantly increasing the difficulty of an emergency response.
Conflicting Accounts: Accidental Leak or Safety Threat?
Cossio, who has over 12 million social media followers, later explained that it was not a prank or an intentional act. He claimed the device ‘accidentally leaked’ due to the pressure difference between the cabin and the outside, emphasizing that its effect was limited and the odor was short-lived, posing no substantial threat to flight safety.
However, Avianca rejected this explanation. The airline stated clearly that, regardless of intent, the action seriously disrupted public order, hygiene, and passenger comfort in the cabin, and most importantly, it posed a potential threat to flight safety.
The Airline’s Stern Response: Flight Ban, Lawsuit, and Apology Demand
Shortly after the incident, Avianca filed a lawsuit against Cossio on March 29. Subsequently, on August 21, the airline officially announced its penalty: Cossio is banned from flying on any of the company’s flights from that date until August 21, 2027. Additionally, the airline has demanded that Cossio issue a public apology to the company and the affected crew members.
Upholding the Standard: ‘Zero Tolerance’ for Flight Safety
In its statement, Avianca reiterated its commitment to maintaining a respectful environment for all passengers and employees. The company will continue to and always will enforce a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy for any inappropriate behavior that could endanger aviation safety, threaten the security of those on board, or violate aviation regulations. This tough stance is intended to prevent any actions that challenge the fundamental principles of aviation safety, ensuring the smoothness and security of every flight.
