Interjet (ICAO: IWY), officially known as ABC Aerolíneas, S.A. de C.V., was a Mexican low-cost carrier founded in 2005 by the Alemán family and commenced operations in December of the same year. It aimed to compete with established airlines like Aeromexico and Mexicana, initially positioning itself as a budget airline that offered a more comprehensive service experience than typical low-cost carriers. Before its financial collapse, Interjet had grown to become Mexico's third-largest airline.
The airline's main operational base was initially Toluca International Airport, but it later expanded its primary hub to Mexico City International Airport. Interjet also maintained additional hubs and focus cities in popular destinations such as Cancún, Guadalajara, and Monterrey. At its peak in early 2020, Interjet operated a diverse fleet comprising primarily Airbus A320 family aircraft (including A320, A321, A320neo, and A321neo models) and Sukhoi Superjet 100s. Its fleet numbered over 80 aircraft, with approximately 66 Airbus and 20 Sukhoi Superjet 100s, notably being the sole operator of the Sukhoi Superjet 100 in the Americas.
Interjet's route network spanned both domestic and international destinations across the Americas. Within Mexico, it served numerous cities, while its international reach extended to the USA, Canada, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Popular international destinations included New York, Miami, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, Bogotá, San José (Costa Rica), Havana, Lima, and Quito. While not a member of a major global airline alliance, Interjet did establish codeshare agreements with American Airlines and Iberia starting in 2014. The airline was known for offering amenities uncommon among low-cost carriers, such as generous 34-inch seat pitch, complimentary snacks and beverages (including alcoholic drinks), and a relatively liberal baggage policy that often included free checked bags and two 10kg carry-on bags for basic fares. It also operated a loyalty program called Club Interjet. Interjet ceased all operations in December 2020, and was formally declared bankrupt in April 2023 due to prolonged financial difficulties exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Traveler reviews for Interjet, particularly from its operational period leading up to its cessation, reveal a mixed but ultimately negative sentiment due to its financial decline.
What Travelers Love (prior to financial distress):
Common Complaints (especially during its final years):
Overall, Interjet initially garnered positive feedback for blending low-cost travel with enhanced passenger comfort and services, earning it a 3-Star Low-Cost Airline rating from Skytrax for its product and staff service. However, its reputation severely deteriorated in its final years due to a protracted financial crisis, which resulted in significant operational disruptions and widespread customer dissatisfaction over unfulfilled flights and unreturned funds.
Interjet's safety record during its operational period was characterized by a series of minor incidents rather than major fatal accidents. In 2007, the airline received recognition as a safe airline by IATA.
The airline did experience several air safety incidents, according to AeroInside. These included a tail strike during landing in Mexico City in February 2020, a dual pack failure near Mexico City in August 2019, a fuel emergency in Mexico City in April 2019, and bird strikes in Tuxtla Gutierrez (February 2018) and Merida (June 2017). In a notable incident not directly related to flight operations but to airline security concerns, Interjet suspended two employees in September 2019 after a pilot allegedly posted a social media comment suggesting a bomb attack in Mexico City's main square.
Regarding regulatory certifications, Interjet's Air Operator Certificate (AOC) number was 23IF051B, and its details were listed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). While direct information on current IOSA certification or EU safety list status at the time of its cessation is not readily available in the search results, its early IATA recognition indicates adherence to certain safety standards.
The airline's fleet, which included Airbus A320s and Sukhoi Superjet 100s, had an average age of 6.7 years in 2018, with the airline actively renewing its aircraft. However, as Interjet's financial crisis deepened, the maintenance and operational status of its fleet suffered. By early 2020, some Sukhoi Superjet 100s were reportedly being cannibalized for parts, and leasing companies repossessed its Airbus fleet as financial troubles escalated. The remaining Sukhoi fleet eventually remained grounded at Toluca International Airport. Any potential resumption of operations would have required a thorough verification of its fleet's optimal condition and personnel training.
Based on available data, Interjet did not experience any fatal accidents during its operational history. Its safety challenges were primarily operational incidents, rather than catastrophic failures. While the financial distress in its final years likely impacted its ability to maintain its fleet and operations at optimal levels, there is no indication of safety awards or recognitions beyond the 2007 IATA recognition.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BGI → SLU |
George F. L. Charles
Castries
|
117 | 120 mi | AT43 | Nov 29, 2025 |
| BGI → ANU |
VC Bird Int'l
Saint John's
|
112 | 320 mi | E145 | Nov 29, 2025 |
| EIS → SJU |
Luis Munoz Marin Intl
San Juan
|
85 | 104 mi | E120 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| GEO → BGI |
Grantley Adams Int'l
Bridgetown
|
79 | 463 mi | AT43 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| SVD → BGI |
Grantley Adams Int'l
Bridgetown
|
78 | 112 mi | BN2P | Dec 9, 2025 |
| PLS → GDT |
JAGS McCartney Int'l (Grand Turk Int'l)
Grand Turk Island
|
76 | 76 mi | DHC6 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| ANU → EIS |
Terrance B. Lettsome Int'l
Beef Island / Tortola
|
72 | 202 mi | E120 | Nov 30, 2025 |
| EIS → ANU |
VC Bird Int'l
Saint John's
|
69 | 202 mi | AT43 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| BGI → GND |
Point Salines Int'l
St. George's
|
69 | 172 mi | E145 | Nov 27, 2025 |
| KIN → PLS |
Providenciales Int'l
Providenciales
|
62 | 397 mi | AT43 | Oct 24, 2025 |
| BGI → DOM |
Douglas Charles Intl.
Marigot
|
62 | 210 mi | AT43 | Nov 29, 2025 |
| SVD → GND |
Point Salines Int'l
St. George's
|
58 | 91 mi | AT43 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| ANU → BGI |
Grantley Adams Int'l
Bridgetown
|
57 | 320 mi | E145 | Nov 30, 2025 |
| DOM → SLU |
George F. L. Charles
Castries
|
54 | 108 mi | AT43 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| CAP → PLS |
Providenciales Int'l
Providenciales
|
53 | 141 mi | AT43 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| EIS → SDQ |
Las Americas
Punta Caucedo
|
52 | 337 mi | AT43 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| GND → BGI |
Grantley Adams Int'l
Bridgetown
|
49 | 172 mi | E145 | Dec 6, 2025 |
| PLS → XSC |
South Caicos
South Caicos
|
48 | 51 mi | DHC6 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| GND → SVD |
Argyle International Airport
Argyle
|
48 | 91 mi | BN2P | Dec 9, 2025 |
| DOM → BGI |
Grantley Adams Int'l
Bridgetown
|
47 | 210 mi | AT43 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| BGI → SVD |
Argyle International Airport
Argyle
|
45 | 112 mi | E145 | Nov 28, 2025 |
| BGI → SKB |
Robert L. Bradshaw Int'l
Basseterre
|
43 | 364 mi | AT43 | Nov 28, 2025 |
| PLS → CAP |
Cap-Haitien Int'l
Cap-Haitien
|
41 | 141 mi | AT43 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| PLS → SDQ |
Las Americas
Punta Caucedo
|
40 | 287 mi | AT43 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| ANU → PLS |
Providenciales Int'l
Providenciales
|
39 | 754 mi | CRJ9 | Nov 28, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.