General Strike in Argentina: Over 400 Flights Cancelled and 64,000 Passengers Affected
The adherence of aviation unions to the general strike called for this Thursday by the CGT—in rejection of labor reform—has caused a massive disruption to aerial operations in Argentina. According to sector estimates, more than 400 flights have been cancelled, affecting at least 64,000 passengers.
The measure strikes in the middle of the summer season, a period of high demand which, according to the industry, complicates the total rescheduling of flights and the relocation of passengers.
Union Adherence and Position on Labor Reform
The decision to join the strike was confirmed by several key organizations:
- APLA: Association of Airline Pilots.
- AAA: Argentine Association of Flight Attendants.
- APA: Aviation Personnel Association.
- UPSA: Union of Senior and Professional Personnel of Aerocommercial Companies.
In a joint statement, the unions noted that their stance against the labor reform has been “clear, public, and sustained”. They argued that the initiative represents a setback for labor rights, promotes the precarization of working conditions, and seeks to weaken collective bargaining within the aerocommercial activity, in addition to limiting the right to strike.
The scale of the conflict has transcended labor issues to become a high-impact operational factor for the Argentine aerocommercial system.
Operational Impact: 87.23% of Flights Cancelled by Mid-Morning
The Chamber of Airlines in Argentina (Jurca) warned that the measure will generate “million-dollar losses for the national economic activity as a whole”. According to the organization, the strike will result in the cancellation of more than 400 flights and affect over 64,000 passengers and cargo clients, although it clarified that figures could vary throughout the day.
Data from the consultancy firm Adventus indicated that by 10:30 AM, 87.23% of planned flights were already cancelled, while 19 companies had suspended 100% of their operations.
→ Argentina Breaks Records: January 2026 Marks Highest Historical Level of Passengers and Operations
Aerolíneas Argentinas: 255 Flights Cancelled and USD 3 Million in Losses
The most affected company is Aerolíneas Argentinas, which cancelled 255 flights, impacting 31,000 passengers with tickets issued for this Thursday. In economic terms, the company estimated a loss of USD 3 million.
The operational breakdown shows the depth of the impact on the domestic network:
- 219 domestic flights.
- 32 regional flights.
- 4 international flights.
The company also reported that it will apply salary deductions to personnel who do not work due to participating in the strike.
JetSmart: Total Suspension of Operations
The low-cost carrier JetSmart announced the suspension of all scheduled flights due to the union protest. The measure covers 96 operations and affects approximately 17,000 passengers.
The company described the scenario as an “external circumstance” and offered users the possibility of changing their travel date without penalty or fare difference, with a deadline to fly until March 15, 2026. Passengers must manage changes through the company’s official website in the booking management section.
LATAM: 46 Flights Cancelled due to Intercargo Strike
In the case of LATAM, 46 flights were cancelled, affecting 7,399 passengers. The airline specified that the disruption is a response to the strike by workers at Intercargo, the state-owned company responsible for ramp services.
The company warned that some flights might operate with schedule or date modifications and recommended confirming flight status before heading to the airport. For passengers unable to travel, the airline enabled two alternatives:
- Date or flight change without cost for a new date within one year of the original flight.
- Refund request without cost within the validity of the ticket, applicable to unused coupons.
Flybondi: Operational Move to Ezeiza and Partial Continuity
Flybondi moved its operations from Aeroparque to Ezeiza, where it provides its own handling services, as it does in 80% of the national airports where it operates.
The airline will complete 72 flights, transporting more than 11,000 passengers. However, it cancelled 28 flights, and most of the remaining operations suffered adjustments to departure times. Passengers whose flights have been modified by more than four hours may manage a date change at no additional cost.
Recommendations for Passengers
Given this scenario, airlines recommend:
- Confirming flight status before heading to the airport.
- Reviewing official notifications and communication channels of each company.
- Consulting airport websites.
- Evaluating the possibility of rescheduling the trip or requesting changes without penalty, if permitted by the airline.
The union adherence to the general strike has abruptly reconfigured Argentine air operations, resulting in significant financial, operational, and commercial impacts.
Related Topics
Porter Airlines Expands in U.S.: Debut in Austin and Strategic Shift to Chicago-O’Hare
JetBlue Announces Nonstop Flights Between Houston and New York-JFK Starting in May
Iberia Escalates North American Offensive for Summer: Record Capacity and Canada Debut
Delta Bolsters Hawaii Offensive: New Routes from Minneapolis and Boston for Winter 2026/27
Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial con 13 años de trayectoria.