On Monday, April 27, Argentina began banning all ticket sales for commercial flights until September. It’s the strictest coronavirus-based travel ban in the Americas and, to date, is possibly one of the toughest in the world.
The ban is causing an industrial outcry, with airlines claiming it will cause too great of a strain.
Several countries in South America have banned commercial flights for now but not as far out as September. Bunches of countries in the Americas, including the U.S., have imposed restrictions for commercial flights, but not outright bans.
Due to coronavirus, Argentina’s borders have been closed since March. But this new mandate, officially Resolution 144/2020 (Passenger Transport Authorization) bans the sale and purchase of commercial flights to, from, or within the country until September 1. The degree was signed by the National Civil Aviation Administration, who gave no further explanation than the suggesting the date was “reasonable.”
Airlines are disagreeing.
LATAM Airlines Group has been struggling and seeking help from multiple governments. It has a significant presence in Argentina and it’s widely felt the ban would put a strain on them.
Small, ultra-low-cost airlines could also suffer due to the ban. FlyBondi, SkyAirlines and JETSmart have all seen growth in their respective Argentinian markets, which will now not be accessible until September.
Industry groups including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) responded by calling on Argentine authorities to reconsider the ban, stating, “This decision directly affects the future of the entire commercial aviation value chain in Argentina and the region, including domestic and international airlines, tourism and related sectors, putting at risk thousands of jobs.” They also claim that Argentina made this decision singlehandedly, and that it was not shared or agreed with the industry before being put into place.
#stayhealthy #stayathome #washyourhands
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This post first appeared on Your Mileage May Vary
