Pilot strike causes interruptions in air transport in Argentina
Around 60 flights were canceled or delayed
The Airline Pilots Association (APLA) began a four-hour strike this Friday, which caused significant disruption at Jorge Newbery Airport, in Buenos Aires, and affected thousands of passengers. The strike, which included the holding of information assemblies between 6 and 10 am, led to the cancellation and delay of more than 60 flights operated by the state-owned Aerolíneas Argentinas.
The strike is estimated to have affected the travel plans of more than 7,000 passengers, and the union warned that the consequences, including cascading delays, could last for several days. APLA called the strike amid a protracted pay dispute, claiming the move was a response to Aerolíneas Argentinas’ lack of response on important issues.
“The airlines continue to fail to respond to the complaints we have made to APLA regarding salaries, promotions, staffing and compliance with our collective agreement,” the union said in a statement. He also linked the protest to recent operational problems, highlighting the company’s “lack of commercial foresight” following the precautionary recall of eight Boeing 737-800 aircraft due to engine failures. This, in APLA’s opinion, demonstrates insufficient planning on the part of the company, forcing it to depend on competing airlines to cover regular routes.
Aerolíneas Argentinas expressed its deep regret over the situation, noting that the protests have affected passengers in a period of consolidation following its historic operating losses and its dependence on state subsidies.
“Measures like these do not contribute to solving the sector’s structural challenges and harm passenger confidence, which is the company’s main asset”, states the company in a document.
The airline advised passengers with reservations between 5:30 am and 11:30 am to check the airport’s official channels to find out the updated status of their flights.
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