Magnicharters, the commercial airline focused on tourist flights to beach destinations in Mexico, unexpectedly suspended all operations for two weeks over the weekend, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded as the extended Holy Week vacation period came to an end.

In a notice issued to its passengers on April 11, the airline cited “logistical issues” and indicated that all flights scheduled for the next two weeks would be canceled. Passengers in Cancún, Huatulco and Mérida were particularly affected as many were already at the airport when they were informed of the cancellations. 

Pasajeros que iban a viajar en Magnicharters señalan que no hay personal que los atienda en los slots de la aerolínea, que anunció ayer suspensión de operaciones por “problemas logísticos”.

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“Due to logistical issues, flights scheduled for the next two weeks will not be able to operate. We want to inform our customers that we are addressing this situation with due diligence to resolve it,” the airline stated.

Users stranded at various airports reported closed counters, staff unable to provide clear information, and passengers having to buy last-minute tickets on other airlines, paying up to 7,000 pesos (US $400) per person.

Following the mass cancellation of flights, local authorities, in collaboration with the federal government, activated an emergency operation in Cancún to assist affected passengers and facilitate their return to their destinations. 

“We are working to rebook passengers on other flights, subject to availability,” Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama said in a statement Sunday night. 

Low-cost airlines Viva and Volaris, as well as Mexico’s flagship airline Aeroméxico, said they will serve affected passengers. Authorities have said that those affected should head to these airlines’ counters to receive assistance. 

Founded in Monterrey, Nuevo León, nearly 30 years ago, Magnicharters is a niche airline and one of the smallest in Mexico. Still, it serves more than 200,000 passengers annually and is known for offering all-inclusive packages — including hotels, transfers and checked-in luggage — aimed at the family vacation market in Mexico. 

Ángel Domínguez, head of the Pilots’ Association, told the newspaper La Jornada that airlines in Mexico can suddenly stop flying without consequence.

“In the last 30 years, the industry has seen between 20 and 25 airlines go bankrupt,” Domínguez said. “In the last four years alone, two have gone bankrupt or suspended operations: Interjet and Aeromar.” 

In Mexico, he said, victims of these sudden stoppages have little recourse. 

“Unfortunately, Mexico has not yet developed a public policy that protects not only passengers, but also those who invest their money in this industry and the professionals in the sector,” he added. 

Although Magnicharters has said that they “deeply regret this situation,” the company has not shared any details regarding refunds or flight rescheduling. Nor has it answered the question of why it stopped flying, other than to cite “logistical issues,” which is essentially restating the question.

With reports from Por Esto, El Financiero, La Jornada and Quadratín Quintana Roo