IATA: “We are concerned about Argentina becoming another Venezuela”.

With only a few days to go before the six-month standstill of the commercial aviation market in Argentina, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents more than 80% of the airlines in the world, expressed its concern for the country, which it identified as “the largest market in the region where aviation is still suspended”.

According to Peter Cerda, IATA Vice President for the Americas, in a statement, “the continued postponement by the government” of the date for the resumption of flights “will further reduce the country’s international connectivity. “From the point of view of the industry, we are worried that the country will become another Venezuela, which over the years has gone from being one of the key aviation markets in the continent to now having very limited international connectivity,” he added.

The international organization referred to the lack of clarity that exists in the country regarding the resumption of regular international and cabotage services, which was initially expected for September 1st and now, informally and without official confirmation, is estimated for October. “The industry can no longer accept postponements of the reopening dates,” said Cerda, “it needs to be clarified as soon as possible, when flights can resume, especially since all the biosecurity protocols are already in place.

He also recalled that Latam Argentina ceased its operations in the country and that three international airlines -Air New Zealand, Emirates and Qatar Airways- announced that they will not resume their flights to Argentina, which will negatively affect the country’s connectivity once the borders are reopened.

“Argentina was already going through an economic crisis before Covid-19. The fact that several international airlines have already made the decision not to return once the restrictions are lifted shows the lack of confidence in the market,” said the executive.

Although he put the emphasis on Argentina, the organization pointed out that the situation of the aviation industry is complex throughout the region, where many countries have been closing their borders for almost six months, “something never seen before in history.

“Not generating income and having to continue covering costs for such a long period of time is a struggle for any industry to survive. We urgently need governments to work with us to restart aviation, as this will ultimately help strengthen economies and support livelihoods,” said Cerda.

He detailed that while many governments and industry partners have provided relief in the form of deferred payments, changes in taxation or reduction of fees and charges, only Colombia approved direct financial assistance this week. “While we applaud the Colombian government’s decision to provide financial support to the country’s largest airline, we want to remind all governments that it is the entire industry that is suffering,” Cerda said in a statement from Miami.

By La Nación