The first day of the air traffic controllers' strike, called by ATEPSA, led to delays and cancellations in domestic flights across the country, impacting around 24,000 passengers. The action will span five days in December, with escalating effects on air operations during the year-end holidays. The demand focuses on wage improvements and working conditions against the Argentine Air Navigation Company.
The air traffic controllers' strike launched on Wednesday, December 17, by the Association of Air Navigation Protection and Security Technicians and Employees (ATEPSA) disrupted operations at airports such as Ezeiza and Aeroparque. From 8 to 11 a.m., delays and cancellations occurred in domestic flights, affecting about 24,000 passengers amid peak holiday demand.
Aerolíneas Argentinas reported 67 delays impacting 7,500 passengers and 25 early departures affecting 3,100, totaling 94 flights altered without direct cancellations. Flybondi canceled six flights to destinations like Jujuy, Bariloche, Salta, and Puerto Madryn, rescheduled 69, and changed departure and arrival airports, estimating 13,000 passengers affected in the first two days. JetSmart adjusted schedules without cancellations, focusing changes on terminals outside Ezeiza during the strike.
The dispute targets the Argentine Air Navigation Company (EANA) over stalled negotiations on wages, deteriorating working conditions, and reinstatements. ATEPSA stated: “Since the current EANA authorities took office in 2024, they have shown brutal intransigence and a lack of dialogue, not only to resolve salary issues but also regarding operational situations we have been denouncing.”
Business sectors and the government condemned the action as “illegitimate” and “unacceptable,” noting its effect on an essential service. The Labor Secretariat called an urgent mediation meeting. The schedule includes:
- Thursday 18: 4-7 p.m. for domestics (Aeroparque until 6 p.m.).
- Tuesday 23: 7-10 p.m. for domestics (Aeroparque until 9 p.m.; one source says until 11 p.m.).
- Saturday 27: 2-5 p.m. for internationals.
- Monday 29: 8-11 a.m. for all flights.
The action targets only takeoff clearances, ensuring minimum services for emergencies, humanitarian, and health operations.
