ARGENTINA. In a move that has attracted strong criticism from regional aviation bodies, Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration has announced plans to suspend all air traffic until 1 September.
The government organisation said it considered it “reasonable” to keep restrictions imposed since March in place until that time, due to the impact of COVID-19. It said the airlines should not sell tickets for domestic or international flights for this period.
Industry representatives Airports Council International–Latin America and Caribbean (ACI-LAC), Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) have called on the Argentine authorities to consider the “imminent and substantial risks” represented by the move. They expressed deep concern over the decision, which they said occurred without industry consultation.
In a statement they said: “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. Also, Argentina’s connectivity with the world, as well as its domestic airline network which is vital for the transportation of essential supplies and the economic and social well-being of the nation, is being put under threat.”
They noted that Argentina’s airports will continue to face “serious financial challenges, needing to remain open to serve air cargo and humanitarian flights, but without commercial passenger flights which generate at least 80% of their revenue.”
The organisations added: “This resolution goes against all stakeholders’ efforts to safely re-establish commercial aviation activities, which provide an essential service for the population.
“Argentina needs air transport to support a wide range of its economic activity. The travel and tourism sector alone contributes 10% to the nation’s GDP and generates 9.4% of the jobs in the country, securing employment for around two million, according to studies by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). This is a fundamental sector for the socio-economic well-being of the population.
“Each job in aviation generates four additional jobs in related industries. It is an important engine for the economy of the countries in the region and, undoubtedly, a sector that will drive economic recovery once the health emergency is over.
“Many companies in the sector will not be able to survive if this resolution is implemented as planned. Therefore, we reiterate our call for a timely dialogue with the relevant authorities in order to ensure the survival of the sector, in support of the country’s overall socio-economic wellbeing.”
