More than 5,000 passengers affected as pilots stage walk-out
STRIKE ACTION
More than 5,000 passengers were left stranded on Friday after many flights were delayed or cancelled, as pilots staged yet another aviation strike.
There was chaos at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery and Ezeiza International Airport during the walk-out, which was carried out by the Association of Airline Pilots (APLA) and the Argentine Aircraft Association.
Thestrike began at 5am local time and ended at 10pm, leading to the cancellation of at least 50 flights throughout the day.
“All national companies (state or private) have their balance sheets in red. Today, we pilots who lose our jobs have no means of reintegration into the country. The aero-commercial system is unsustainable under these circumstances.” the associations said in a press release.
The pilots also noted that national carrier Aerolíneas Argentinas will finish the year 200 fewer pilots than when the year began.
Transport Minister Guillermo Dietrich slammed the unions that organised the strike, accusing them of being linked to Kirchnerite leaders and seeking to discredit President Mauricio Macri in the lead-up to August’s PASO primaries and October’s election.
“This affects thousands of people. As it happens, they always choose times for these measures that are most likely to complicate people’s lives,” he said, referring to t he long weekend, during which many Argentines travel.
As many as 5,000 passengers were believed to have been affected by the strike, officials said.