Published on August 26, 2025
Argentina is facing significant travel disruptions as Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, LATAM Airlines Ecuador, and LATAM Brasil have been forced to cancel over 50 flights. These cancellations come amid ongoing nationwide strikes by air traffic controllers, which have heavily impacted air travel across key cities such as Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Córdoba. The strikes, which have been triggered by unresolved wage disputes, have led to delays and major scheduling setbacks for many travelers. Passengers flying out of these airports should expect further flight changes in the coming days. While some flights have been rescheduled, more cancellations are likely as the strikes continue. If you’re flying on these routes, it’s essential to stay updated and check with your airline for the latest information. Understanding the strike’s impact on air traffic is crucial to navigating your travel plans smoothly. Here’s everything you need to know about these disruptions.
Travelers in Argentina are facing significant disruptions this week as the ATEPSA air traffic controllers’ union begins a planned strike over ongoing salary disputes with the state-run air navigation company, EANA. The industrial action, which is set to last five days, will cause widespread delays and cancellations across airports in Argentina as union members carry out two three-hour work stoppages daily, specifically impacting flight departures.
Background on the Strike
The dispute between ATEPSA and EANA escalated after 17 rounds of negotiations failed to yield an agreement. The government’s latest proposal, which included a 15% salary increase, was rejected by the union, leading to the strike. The National Government has labeled the union’s actions as “intransigent” and criticized their stance, especially after multiple attempts to resolve the issue. In response, the government emphasized that air navigation is an “essential public service” and noted that an injunction filed by the union against the current regulations was dismissed by the courts.
On the other hand, the ATEPSA union responded by stating that the action was a last resort after exhausting all legal avenues. They emphasized that the issues at hand—air safety, working conditions, and wages—are non-negotiable.
Strike Schedule and Impact on Flights
The strike is scheduled to affect flight departures at all airports across the country for six hours daily, divided into two three-hour windows. Importantly, the strike will not affect landings, and medical flights as well as Search and Rescue (SAR) operations will be exempt. This means that passengers traveling within Argentina or on international routes departing from Argentine airports may face significant delays or cancellations.
The strike schedule is as follows:
- Friday, August 22: 1 PM to 4 PM / 7 PM to 10 PM.
- Sunday, August 24: 1 PM to 4 PM / 7 PM to 10 PM.
- Tuesday, August 26: 7 AM to 10 AM / 2 PM to 5 PM.
- Thursday, August 28: 1 PM to 4 PM / 7 PM to 10 PM.
- Saturday, August 30: 1 PM to 4 PM / 7 PM to 10 PM.
During these times, airports in Argentina will see affected departures, including key hubs like Jorge Newbery (AEP) in Buenos Aires, Ministro Pistarini Int’l (EZE), and other major airports. While landings are unaffected, passengers should expect delays for flights scheduled to depart during the strike periods.
Flight Cancellations and Delays
In addition to the ongoing strike disruptions, a number of flight cancellations and delays are already in place. Airlines have begun rescheduling flights to minimize passenger inconvenience. A total of 54 cancellations have been reported across Argentina, Ecuador, and Brazil, with major airlines such as Aerolineas Argentinas, Flybondi, LATAM Airlines Ecuador, and LATAM Brasil being affected.
Cancelled Aerolineas Argentinas (ARG) flights:
| Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Almirante Zar (REL / SAVT) | Tue 04:20 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Martin Miguel de Guemes Int’l (El Aybal) (SLA / SASA) | Tue 04:25 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Lt. Gen. Benjamin Matienzo Int’l (TUC / SANT) | Tue 05:25 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Cataratas del Iguazú Int’l (Iguazú Falls) (IGR / SARI) | Tue 07:05 -03 |
| Martin Miguel de Guemes Int’l (El Aybal) (SLA / SASA) | Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Tue 07:20 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Vicecomodoro angel de la Paz Aragones (SDE / SANE) | Tue 07:20 -03 |
| Ministro Pistarini Int’l (EZE / SAEZ) | Ingeniero Ambrosio L.V. Taravella Int’l (COR / SACO) | Tue 07:30 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | San Carlos de Bariloche Int’l (BRC / SAZS) | Tue 07:55 -03 |
| Ministro Pistarini Int’l (EZE / SAEZ) | Cataratas del Iguazú Int’l (Iguazú Falls) (IGR / SARI) | Tue 07:55 -03 |
| Ministro Pistarini Int’l (EZE / SAEZ) | Governor Francisco Gabrielli Int’l (El Plumerillo Int’l) (MDZ / SAME) | Tue 08:00 -03 |
| Lt. Gen. Benjamin Matienzo Int’l (TUC / SANT) | Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Tue 08:05 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Libertador General Jose de San Martin (PSS / SARP) | Tue 08:25 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Governor Francisco Gabrielli Int’l (El Plumerillo Int’l) (MDZ / SAME) | Tue 08:50 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Lt. Gen. Benjamin Matienzo Int’l (TUC / SANT) | Tue 09:00 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Cataratas del Iguazú Int’l (Iguazú Falls) (IGR / SARI) | Tue 09:05 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Astor Piazzola Int’l (MDQ / SAZM) | Tue 09:15 -03 |
| Vicecomodoro angel de la Paz Aragones (SDE / SANE) | Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Tue 09:40 -03 |
| Cataratas del Iguazú Int’l (Iguazú Falls) (IGR / SARI) | Martin Miguel de Guemes Int’l (El Aybal) (SLA / SASA) | Tue 09:40 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Governor Francisco Gabrielli Int’l (El Plumerillo Int’l) (MDZ / SAME) | Tue 09:45 -03 |
| Gobernador Horacio Guzman Int’l (JUJ / SASJ) | Ingeniero Ambrosio L.V. Taravella Int’l (COR / SACO) | Tue 10:00 -03 |
Cancelled Flybondi (FBZ) flights:
| Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|
| General Enrique Mosconi (CRD / SAVC) | Ministro Pistarini Int’l (EZE / SAEZ) | Mon 18:15 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Gobernador Horacio Guzman Int’l (JUJ / SASJ) | Tue 08:10 -03 |
| Gobernador Horacio Guzman Int’l (JUJ / SASJ) | Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Tue 11:00 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | El Tehuelche (PMY / SAVY) | Tue 19:10 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Lt. Gen. Benjamin Matienzo Int’l (TUC / SANT) | Tue 19:45 -03 |
| Lt. Gen. Benjamin Matienzo Int’l (TUC / SANT) | Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Tue 22:10 -03 |
Cancelled LATAM Airlines Ecuador (LNE) flights:
| Ident | Type | Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LNE1437 | A319 | Jorge Chávez Int’l (LIM / SPJC) | Ministro Pistarini Int’l (EZE / SAEZ) | Tue 00:00 -05 |
| LNE1436 | A319 | Ministro Pistarini Int’l (EZE / SAEZ) | Jorge Chávez Int’l (LIM / SPJC) | Tue 07:40 -03 |
Cancelled LATAM Brasil (TAM) flights to Argentina:
| Origin | Destination | Scheduled Departure Time |
|---|---|---|
| São Paulo-Guarulhos Int’l (GRU / SBGR) | Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | Tue 11:05 -03 |
| Jorge Newbery (AEP / SABE) | São Paulo-Guarulhos Int’l (GRU / SBGR) | Tue 15:05 -03 |
Moreover, 83 delays have been reported, with Aerolineas Argentinas experiencing a 23% delay rate, affecting 69 flights. Flybondi also faced disruptions with 14 flights delayed, representing a 20% delay rate. Passengers are urged to check their flight status regularly and contact airlines for alternative options.
Impact on Flights During the Strike
The strike will suspend all activities during designated hours, which will primarily affect flight departures. During these protest hours, no takeoffs nor taxi movements will occur on runways, and flight plans will not be processed. This will likely cause cancellations and rescheduling of regular flights. The union has emphasized that medical, humanitarian, and Search and Rescue (SAR) flights will continue operating without disruption.
Passengers who have flights scheduled during the protest hours should check directly with their airline for updates on whether their flight has been cancelled or rescheduled. Airlines are taking steps to manage the disruptions and minimize the impact on passengers.
2025- Year of Airline Workers Strikes
Canada (August 16–19, 2025)
In Canada, Air Canada faced a strike by its flight attendants, organized by the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE). The strike stemmed from unresolved salary disputes and demands for compensation for unpaid work. This action disrupted about 130,000 passengers daily, causing widespread cancellations and delays. The strike was later declared illegal, but a tentative agreement was reached on August 19.
France (July 2025)
France saw significant disruptions due to a two-day air traffic control (ATC) strike in early July 2025. The strike, led by French ATC unions, was a response to issues over understaffing, pay, and working conditions. Over 1,400 flights were cancelled, and approximately 1 million travelers were affected. The strike caused a ripple effect across Europe, impacting numerous flights connecting through French airspace.
Spain (August 2025)
In Spain, multiple strikes impacted ground handling services during August 2025. Over 3,000 workers at Azul Handling, a Ryanair subsidiary, staged work stoppages at 12 airports, including Madrid, Barcelona, and Malaga. The strikes were organized by the General Union of Workers (UGT) and affected baggage handling and check-in services, leading to significant delays and cancellations.
UK (July 2025)
The United Kingdom experienced severe flight disruptions due to French air traffic control (ATC) strikes. Approximately 70% of the UK’s short-haul flights use French airspace, and a four-day strike by French ATC in early July led to 4,000 flight cancellations and 7,400 delays, costing the airline industry over €100 million.
Italy (July 26, 2025)
Italy experienced a nationwide strike on July 26, 2025, affecting major airports such as Milan Malpensa, Rome Fiumicino, and Venice. The strike involved baggage handlers, ground staff, and airport workers protesting for improved safety, working conditions, and national contract renewals. The strike led to delays and cancellations, affecting airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, Volotea, and Wizz Air.
Pakistan (April 2025)
In April 2025, Pakistan closed its airspace to all Indian carriers due to regional tensions. This impacted airlines like Air India and IndiGo, forcing them to reroute flights and cancel services to destinations in Central Asia. The airspace closure led to longer flight durations and operational challenges for affected airlines.
These strikes highlight ongoing labor disputes and operational challenges within the aviation industry, causing major disruptions to both domestic and international travel. Passengers are advised to stay informed about potential delays or cancellations and check with their airlines for updates.
What Affected Passengers Should Do
With airports in Argentina experiencing significant disruptions, passengers should take the following steps:
- Contact Airlines: Reach out to your airline directly to confirm your flight status and inquire about rescheduling options or compensation due to cancellations or delays.
- Stay Informed: Continuously monitor updates from airlines and airports through official websites and social media channels. Airlines may also send notifications about changes to flight schedules.
- Prepare for Delays: Be ready for extended wait times at airports, especially during the peak disruption windows from 1 PM to 4 PM and 7 PM to 10 PM.
- Alternative Travel Arrangements: For those with urgent travel needs, consider exploring other transport options or rebooking on the first available flight after the strike periods.
- Medical and Emergency Flights: Passengers on medical flights or in need of emergency travel should ensure that they are in contact with the appropriate airline authorities to ensure smooth travel.
Conclusion
The air traffic controllers’ strike in Argentina is set to cause widespread disruptions at the country’s airports, with 42 total flight cancellations reported across multiple carriers. Additionally, 69 flights from Aerolineas Argentinas have been delayed, affecting 23% of their operations, while Flybondi has experienced 14 delayed flights, a 20% delay rate. The strike’s impact will be felt throughout Argentina, especially for passengers flying from key airports in Buenos Aires and other major cities. Travelers are advised to stay in touch with their airlines, check their flight status frequently, and prepare for potential delays. With the strike lasting several days, it’s crucial for all affected passengers to plan ahead and take necessary steps to minimize the impact on their travel.
Image credit: Flybondi, LATAM
Source: FlightAware
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