Avianca has announced a significant shift in its distribution strategy that is sending shockwaves through the travel agency sector. Starting February 1, 2026, the airline will move its primary content back to the traditional EDIFACT standard within Global Distribution Systems (GDS), accompanied by a new surcharge per ticket coupon.
Perhaps more controversially, the airline plans to terminate New Distribution Capability (NDC) access for third-party aggregators and consolidators. This move effectively shuts down “Avianca Sync” globally and “Avianca Link” in Colombia—tools that agencies had recently invested in to access better pricing and more detailed fare options.
The Industry ReactionThe decision is being viewed as a technological step backward. While the industry has spent years pushing for NDC to allow for more personalized offers and lower costs, Avianca is consolidating its reach through older channels while adding fees.
Otto Gergye, Chief Commercial Officer at Avianca, defended the move, stating that EDIFACT currently provides the “most stable base” for operations. He emphasized that travel agencies remain strategic partners and that the airline will continue to offer direct access through its own agency portal.A Blow to InvestmentThe timing is particularly difficult for consolidators and tech-forward agencies. Many have spent the last few years integrating NDC technology to stay competitive. With Avianca’s withdrawal from third-party NDC channels, those investments are now at risk, and the ability for agents to compare fares efficiently is expected to diminish.
