A social media influencer has been banned from flying with a major airline after allegedly pulling a bizarre prank mid-flight that left passengers uncomfortable and sparked safety concerns.
The incident involved Colombian influencer Yeferson Cossio, who reportedly used a device to simulate loud and foul-smelling flatulence during a flight from Bogotá to Madrid.
Prank at 35,000 feet
According to reports, Cossio activated a so-called “fart machine” while onboard an Avianca flight on March 11.
The device was said to produce both realistic sounds and unpleasant odors, with the aim of capturing reactions from fellow passengers for social media content.
However, what may have been intended as a joke quickly escalated into a serious issue.
At least one passenger was reportedly “deeply offended,” while others were left confused and uncomfortable in the enclosed cabin environment.
Airline takes strict action
Avianca responded strongly to the incident, stating that it “categorically rejects any behavior that jeopardizes the safety of its operations and compromises the onboard experience.”
The airline argued that in a pressurized aircraft with recirculated air, unexpected smells can cause alarm, especially when the source is unknown.
Because the plane was flying over the Atlantic Ocean at the time, making an emergency landing would have been extremely difficult, further raising concerns about the situation.
As a result, Cossio has reportedly been banned from the airline and could face legal action for violating onboard conduct rules.
Internet reacts to the bizarre stunt
The story has since gone viral online, with many people criticizing the prank as unnecessary and disruptive.
While some found humor in the situation, others pointed out that such actions can create panic in a confined space like an aircraft cabin.
The influencer has not publicly released footage of the prank, and it remains unclear whether he will address the backlash.
