Avianca Airlines has formally initiated legal proceedings against Colombian social media personality Yeferson Cossio following a disruptive prank on an international flight earlier this month.
The incident took place on March 11, 2026, while Cossio was traveling from Bogotá, Colombia, to Madrid, Spain. The aircraft was positioned over the Atlantic Ocean when the disruption began.
Cossio, who is 31 years old and maintains a following of over 12.5 million users on Instagram, reportedly deployed a mechanical device. This machine simulated flatulence noises and odors within the cabin.
In a formal statement released on Sunday, March 29, 2026, Avianca confirmed its decision to take punitive action. The airline expressed a zero-tolerance policy regarding behavior that impacts passenger well-being.
Airline officials emphasized that the stunt put the overall safety and comfort of the passengers and crew at risk. Maintaining a secure environment remains a top priority for the international carrier.
"Avianca rejects any behavior that compromises the onboard experience," the statement read. The company stressed that the integrity of the flight environment must remain uncompromised by such stunts.
As a direct result of the March 11 incident, Avianca has officially banned Cossio from flying with the airline. This status serves as an immediate consequence of the mid-air disruption.
Beyond the administrative ban, the airline's legal department is actively preparing a case against the influencer. This action highlights an industry push to penalize creators for unauthorized disruptions.
Reports indicate that at least one passenger felt deeply offended by the stunt. The individual's complaints contributed to the airline's internal investigation into the matter.
As of Monday, March 30, Cossio has maintained silence regarding the incident. He has not posted any footage of the prank nor commented on the pending legal challenges from Avianca.
This silence is atypical for the content creator, who usually shares his daily life with his massive audience. The case is currently in its earliest stages, with no final resolution reported.