The Colombian airline Avianca announced sanctions and legal actions against content creator Yeferson Cossio, one of Colombia’s most controversial influencers, after an incident that endangered the safety of international flight AV46 between Bogota and Madrid on March 11, 2026.
The airline confirmed that the creator activated a chemical device that produced a strong odor inside the cabin as part of an alleged “prank” for social media, causing discomfort among passengers and forcing the crew to intervene.
The incident, described by the airline as disruptive and risky behavior, led the company to remove him from the flight and terminate his transportation contract, also canceling his return ticket. The situation has reignited the debate about the limits of digital content and the responsibility of public figures in environments where safety is at stake.
In response to the airline’s statement, the influencer firmly denied the allegations and announced that he will take legal action against those accusing him. He also stated that he will publish a video in the coming hours to clarify what happened, claiming that, according to him, it is all “gossip” and false accusations.
The Colombian influencer’s prank that set off alarms mid-flight
According to the crew’s report, Cossio activated a device mid-flight that emitted a strong chemical smell while recording passengers’ reactions for his social media audience. The atmosphere inside the aircraft became uncomfortable, and several travelers expressed concern over what could have been an unknown substance.
The cabin crew handled the situation immediately and escalated it as a potential security risk, following established protocols for this type of incident. The airline noted that any action that disturbs the peace or generates alarm on a flight can be considered an operational threat.
After landing, Avianca announced the influencer’s removal from the aircraft and the cancellation of his return itinerary. The company also confirmed that it will initiate legal actions against him, stating that it will not tolerate behavior that compromises passengers’ safety.
The lengths content creators go to for views
The incident also sparked a broader discussion about the pressure content creators face to produce increasingly extreme material in the pursuit of views and followers. Cossio, who has more than 12 million followers on Instagram and over 19 million on TikTok, is known for producing controversial pranks and content that frequently push the limits of what is acceptable.
The case highlights how some influencers have taken their viral strategies into inappropriate settings, without considering the impact their actions can have in critical environments. The fact that a creator with such a massive reach engages in this type of behavior amplifies the responsibility placed on them.