Colombian influencer Yeferson Cossio, who boasts millions of followers, has been permanently banned from Avianca Airlines and is now facing legal action after pulling a fart prank mid-flight on a journey from Bogotá to Madrid.
According to reports, Cossio allegedly pulled out a device designed to produce fart noises and odors while aboard the international flight, releasing the smell through the pressurized cabin while passengers sat trapped shoulder-to-shoulder with nowhere to go. At least one passenger was reportedly deeply offended by the incident, and given the conditions of a long-haul flight over the Atlantic, the disruption was hard to ignore.
Avianca responded swiftly. The airline released a statement saying, “Avianca categorically rejects any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of its operations and compromises the onboard experience for customers and for service personnel.”
With that, Cossio was handed a lifetime ban from the carrier, and the airline announced it would also pursue legal action against him.
When Cossio finally broke his silence on the matter, his response did little to help his case. He admitted to bringing the device on board but claimed the release was accidental, stating, “That’s my job. I make pranks.” He later added, “With or without intention, I made a mistake. That little bag burst. That’s it. I’m only saying it’s not as serious as they’re making it out to be.”
Avianca clearly was not buying the accidental explanation. The airline pointed out that his behavior violated section 8.6 of their terms and conditions, which covers conduct affecting safety, comfort, order, and discipline on the aircraft. Whether the release was deliberate or not, Cossio broke the rule, and the airline made clear it intended to hold him accountable.
The consequences proved significant. After landing in Madrid, Cossio found himself stranded in a foreign country with his return flight cancelled, a lifetime airline ban on his record, and lawyers to deal with, all over a prank that may not have even gone viral. Going from filming content on a plane to being stuck abroad sorting out legal trouble is quite the outcome.
For Cossio, the Avianca ban carries added weight given that the airline is one of the primary carriers operating direct flights from Colombia to Europe. While alternatives like Iberia and KLM do exist, losing access to Avianca is a meaningful inconvenience for a Colombian traveler heading overseas.
