Argentina kicks off 2026 with a revamped air map, adding over a dozen direct international flights, the arrival of foreign airlines, and enhanced connectivity from interior airports. This expansion follows a record-breaking year for passengers in 2025 and responds to outbound tourism demand. The routes aim to serve departing travelers and bolster regional ties.
Argentina's aviation sector ended 2025 with historic figures: November saw 4,392,597 passengers, the highest monthly record, alongside 33,914 aircraft operations. From January to November, 45.9 million people passed through airports, up 12% from 2024, with projections nearing 50 million for the full year.
Outbound tourism drove this surge, with 17,561,100 residents leaving the country, a 43.3% year-over-year increase, heading to spots like the Caribbean, the US, and Europe. Inbound tourism dropped 20.9%, with 7,887,800 foreign visitors, hit by the country's rising dollar costs.
For 2026, over 12 new routes are set. In February, Flybondi launches Buenos Aires-Encarnación (Paraguay) on the 2nd. In March, LATAM starts Santiago-Neuquén on the 29th. Arajet debuts Punta Cana-Mendoza on May 16, and Plus Ultra adds Madrid-Buenos Aires frequency on the 23rd.
The 2026 World Cup brings charters: Aerolíneas Argentinas begins Córdoba-Miami on June 5, with two weekly flights becoming permanent. In June, special flights from Buenos Aires to Kansas City and Dallas. For winter, LATAM opens São Paulo-Bariloche on June 15, GOL on the 26th, and Aerolíneas Argentinas on July 1. Similarly for São Paulo-Ushuaia from July. Arajet links Punta Cana-Rosario on June 16, and World2Fly debuts Madrid-Rosario on October 1, with two weekly flights.
These additions decentralize traffic, easing reliance on Buenos Aires and boosting competition on key routes to Spain and the US, potentially improving fares based on demand and exchange rates.
