Argentina’s domestic aviation market is under significant pressure this week. Flybondi — the country’s largest low-cost carrier — has been operating with just two Boeing 737-800 aircraft following regulatory groundings related to maintenance compliance issues. The Brazilian civil aviation authority (ANAC Brazil) imposed an August 3 deadline for Flybondi to prove operational recovery or face a ban on selling tickets to Brazilian destinations. Separately, both Ezeiza (EZE) and Aeroparque (AEP) have recorded over 43 delays and multiple cancellations in the past two weeks, compounded by ongoing construction work and a temporary staffing dispute in ground operations.
What This Means for Travellers
If you have a Flybondi booking: Check flight status directly via their app or website every 24–48 hours. The airline has been re-routing passengers where possible, but some routes are operating at substantially reduced frequency. Domestic routes most affected include Buenos Aires–Salta, Buenos Aires–Bariloche, and several Cordoba-based routes.
If you are flying internationally through Ezeiza: Build in at least 3 hours before departure — gate changes have been frequent and the terminal is operating at near-capacity with ramp delays in peak morning hours.
If you are using AerolÃneas Argentinas: The national carrier is not directly affected by the Flybondi situation, though ramp congestion at Aeroparque affects all airlines. AerolÃneas has also announced a fleet expansion following deliveries confirmed at the Farnborough Airshow — a medium-term positive.
Alternatives Within Argentina
We generally recommend AerolÃneas Argentinas or Andes LÃneas Aéreas for domestic connections to remote Patagonian destinations such as El Calafate and Ushuaia, where flight reliability is especially critical. Compare Argentina flight options across carriers before booking. See our Buenos Aires guide for advice on navigating Ezeiza and Aeroparque from the city centre, including transport options for each terminal.
For planning longer journeys around the country, our flights to Argentina page covers route options from Europe and North America, and includes guidance on which domestic onward connections are most reliable.
What Happens After August 3
If Flybondi meets the ANAC Brazil requirements by August 3 and restores aircraft to operation, the situation should stabilise by mid-August. If the deadline is missed, further groundings or suspension of Brazilian routes is possible. We will update this article as the situation develops.
Travellers holding Flybondi tickets for travel in August should have comprehensive travel insurance for Argentina covering airline insolvency and disruption.