General strike in Argentina results in hundreds of canceled flights

Argentina faces a general strike this Thursday (9), which resulted in the cancellation of more than 700 flights, directly affecting air connectivity with Brazil and other destinations. The strike, being the second in just five months under the administration of Javier Milei, reflects the discontent of union members with the reforms proposed by the government.

Almost 400 flights were suspended at the main airports in Buenos Aires, Ezeiza and Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, impacting around 55 thousand passengers. The administrator of these airports confirmed the magnitude of the interruptions.

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_{Argentines protest against President Javier Milei's government (Photo: reproduction/Lucas Aguayo/GettyImages Embed)}

Airlines suffer losses

Airlines had to quickly adapt to the situation. Gol Linhas Aéreas canceled all its flights to Argentina, affecting at least eight connections with Brazil. In response, the company announced extra flights for the following day and offered affected passengers the option of changing their flights at no additional cost or requesting a full refund.

Latam Airlines followed suit, canceling ten flights and presenting alternatives for passengers, including the possibility of changing tickets at no additional cost for up to a week after the original date. Aerolíneas Argentinas, in turn, canceled 191 flights, affecting around 24 thousand passengers and generating an estimated cost of US$2 million.

Other foreign companies were also forced to cancel flights and adjust operations, such as Flybondi, which transferred its activities to Ezeiza International Airport to maintain services to Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

People's dissatisfaction with Milei's government

The strike is a direct response to the new president's bill, which seeks changes in public administration and several national laws. The project, which has already been approved by the Chamber of Deputies, awaits a vote in the Senate. If approved, it will allow the government to dissolve public entities and privatize state-owned companies, including Aerolíneas Argentinas, in addition to liberalizing the import and export of hydrocarbons and reforming labor legislation.

The impact of the strike extended beyond airports, with the stoppage of trains and subways in Buenos Aires and the interruption of most bus services. Banks and many businesses remained closed due to lack of transportation.

Featured Photo: Argentines protest against Milei’s government and go on general strike (Reproduction/Bloomberg/GettyImages Embed)