Aeronautic union conflicts and an ash cloud coming from Chile’s Puyehue volcano caused new flight complications affecting south bound flights today.
Conflicts between Aerolineas Argentinas and some unions added to the delays and cancellations at Buenos Aires Metropolitan Airports.
By midmorning the Labour Ministry issued a compulsory agreement stating that unions should “carry out their normal activities as usual.” The government stated, however, no retaliation measures should be taken against work by the Company.
In an official statement Aerolíneas Argentinas and Austral Airlines reiterated “delays and cancellations on today’s flights are caused by a protest of air controllers and technicians.”
Aerolíneas Argentinas also blamed union leader Ricardo Cirielli for the inconveniences. “The company attributes the responsibility for flight delays and cancellations to the head of the Aeronautic Technicians Union (APTA). Once again passengers are held hostage by their protests.”
Over forty flights were affected. Eleven to Mendoza and Neuquén presented delays and inconveniences this morning at Ezeiza and Aeroparque Airports in Buenos Aires City.
Some flights coming in – and flying to – Comodoro Rivadavia, San Pablo, Río Gallegos and Rio de Janeiro were also affected by the ash cloud.
Puyehue volcano, located in the Chilean Patagonia, has been releasing ash since its eruption last June 4th and as a result of strong southerly winds, the ash cloud keeps being swept into the Buenos Aires airspace.
Source: Buenos Aires Herald