An influencer with millions of followers has been banned from a major airline after disturbing passengers and staff with a gross mid-air stunt.
Yeferson Cossio, 31, is a Colombian influencer with more than 12.5 million followers on Instagram, but his public status didn’t help when he was caught in the middle of a disgusting prank.
On March 11, while onboard an Avianca flight from Bogota to Madrid, he reportedly disturbed the airline with a smelly surprise.
Sign up to The Nightly’s newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.
Cossio allegedly brought a fart machine onboard the plane which not only made realistic noises, but also released unpleasant odours, Colombian newspaper El Tiempo reported.
The influencer didn’t escape the incident with mere slap on the wrist, as Avianca not only cancelled the flight, but is also taking further legal action.
Yeferson Cossio Credit: Instagram @yefersoncossio
In a statement, the airline said: “Avianca is pleased to inform that, as a consequence of the disruptive behaviour on the part of a renowned influencer on board flight AV46 on the Bogotá – Madrid route on March 11, the airline decided to terminate its transportation contract, and consequently cancel the return journey. Likewise, it will file the corresponding legal actions.”
Cossio has said his actions did not represent any “real risk”, but the company said that his behaviour “affected the safety, comfort, order and discipline on board, as well as the health of the flight”.
Avianca’s report said Cossio brought a “chemical odour-generating device inside the cabin” and that it caused discomfort for people nearby. It was effectively a stink bomb.
The airline said his choice to release the odour during the long-haul flight could have complicated safety responses in the event of an emergency.
“The aircraft is a closed and pressurised environment where air is recirculated throughout the cabin, and the aircraft was flying over the Atlantic Ocean, still far from the nearest airport in case of an emergency.”
“Avianca categorically rejects any behaviour that puts the safety of its operation at risk or compromises the onboard experience of customers and service personnel.”
Yeferson Cossio Credit: Instagram @yefersoncossio
It is unclear what further legal action Cossio is facing besides the cancellation of his return trip, but Avianca urged Colombian lawmakers to continue work on new legislation which would see more severe penalties for disruptive passengers.
In a YouTube video, Cossio claimed his prank had been blown out of proportion.
“I had a little bag of ‘chemical fart’ in my carry-on bag,” he said. “That’s my job, I make pranks.”
He said he did not intend to release the gas on the flight.
“What happened on the plane was not a prank, because that’s not something I do there. It was just an accident,” he said.
“I’m not trying to play the victim. With or without intention, I made a mistake. The little bag burst, that’s it. I’m only saying it’s not as serious as they’re making it out to be.”
Cassio said that when the incident occurred he “stayed calm, apologised and took responsibility” for the error.
