Argentina’s Airports Are About to Go Quiet Right Before a Papal Visit

Argentina’s state workers’ union ATE says it will stop work at 27 airports on Friday, November 6, according to The Rio Times. The announcement came on Monday, November 2, from union leader Rodolfo Aguiar, and the list includes the two main Buenos Aires hubs, Ezeiza and Aeroparque.

Only medical, humanitarian, organ-transport and official flights are guaranteed to operate during the stoppage. The union has also planned a strict-checks action at Ezeiza and Aeroparque, which can slow processing even where flights are not formally halted. No cancellations had been confirmed when the report was published, and the report found no government response yet.

The timing is what makes this one worth watching. Pope Leo XIV is due to arrive on Sunday, November 8, and Monday, November 9, is a national holiday, so the strike lands at the start of what is likely to be a busy travel stretch. Travelers connecting through Buenos Aires that Friday are the most exposed.

There is precedent for the government pushing back. The report notes that a similar action in September was met with an order to keep 75 percent of operations running. Anyone booked to fly in or out of Argentina on November 6 should check with their airline for rebooking options and allow extra time at the airport.

Sources: The Rio Times