BTN News: Confusion, frustration, and anger dominated Buenos Aires’ Jorge Newbery Airport as an unexpected strike by Intercargo ramp workers brought air travel to a standstill. The surprise assembly, called by the Association of Aeronautical Personnel (APA) from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., left passengers stranded, flights delayed, and bags piled high across terminal floors. Low-cost airlines Flybondi and Jetsmart were hit hardest, with multiple flights delayed or rescheduled, adding to a week of escalating tensions between aviation unions and airlines across Argentina. As the situation unfolded, travelers shared their frustration over the lack of communication, and more disruptions loomed at other major airports in the country.
Passengers Stranded by Surprise Union Action
A surprise union assembly by Intercargo, the company responsible for ground services, left flights in disarray at Jorge Newbery Airport. For two hours, workers stopped handling baggage and other ground services, causing significant delays for airlines Flybondi and Jetsmart. “We don’t know when we’ll be able to leave,” said Guillermo, a passenger waiting for a delayed flight to Salta, standing amidst hundreds of bags gathered near Flybondi’s check-in counters. “It’s chaos.”
Flights Delayed and Passengers in Limbo
Flybondi quickly warned passengers of delays and baggage delivery issues due to the “sudden labor action.” Meanwhile, Jetsmart confirmed that at least four flights were directly affected, including one international flight to Santiago, Chile. Passengers like Matías, set to depart for Bariloche, were left uncertain. “They reprogrammed the flight for 10:40 p.m., but no one knows if that’s final,” he said.
Vacations Interrupted and Tempers Rising
Ximena, a Costa Rican tourist visiting Argentina for the first time, described her experience as “an accident waiting to happen.” She and her family had already faced delays earlier in the week. “Yesterday, we had to buy another flight from Iguazú because our original flight was delayed, and we couldn’t make it back to Buenos Aires on time,” she explained.
Cinthia González and her husband, who spent 600,000 pesos for a round trip to Bariloche, were told their flight had been rescheduled for 7 a.m. the next day. “We have nowhere to stay tonight. We already checked out of our hotel,” Cinthia said, frustrated with the lack of clear communication.
Unions Signal More Disruptions Across Argentina
While the assembly at Aeroparque ended at 8 p.m. as planned, chaos lingered. Baggage piled up, and passengers were left in the dark about their flights. “The backlog of flights caused baggage to accumulate,” explained Lucas Dattoli, another passenger whose group’s flight to Jujuy was affected.
The disruption will continue at other major airports. Ezeiza will see a similar strike from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., while assemblies at Mendoza and Córdoba airports are scheduled from 11 p.m. onward, raising concerns of further widespread delays.
A Broader Context: Rising Tensions in Argentina’s Aviation Sector
The assembly at Aeroparque follows a broader pattern of labor unrest in Argentina’s aviation sector. Last Friday, a strike by the Association of Airline Pilots (APLA) and the Argentine Association of Airmen (AAA) led to the cancellation of 185 flights and affected over 16,000 passengers. As the wage dispute continues, Aerolíneas Argentinas has announced plans to sue unions for “lost revenue” and seek the removal of Pablo Biró, APLA’s leader, from the company’s board of directors.
Escalating Labor Tensions Impacting Travelers Nationwide
The labor disputes are not limited to Aeroparque. As the unions plan further actions at other airports, passengers across Argentina are bracing for continued disruption. Aerolíneas Argentinas has vowed to hold the unions accountable, citing significant financial losses and passenger complaints.
Conclusion: A Turbulent Week for Argentine Aviation
As Argentina’s aviation unions push for better wages and working conditions, the impact on travelers has been immediate and severe. With more strikes planned, passengers are left with uncertainty about their flights and travel plans. Travelers like Ximena and Cinthia are caught in the crossfire of a dispute that shows no signs of abating. As the situation evolves, passengers and airlines alike are bracing for more turbulence ahead.
