• Aerolineas Argentinas Tile
    Aerolíneas Argentinas
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    AR/ARG
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Ezeiza International Airport, Aeroparque Jorge Newbery
    Year Founded:
    1949
    Alliance:
    SkyTeam
    CEO:
    Pablo Ceriani
    Country:
    Argentina
    Region:
    South America

In 2022, Argentina’s civil aviation industry has recovered close to 80% of its pre-pandemic traffic levels, according to the latest report released by the local civil aviation authorities. Domestically, the country is close to fully rebounding, putting an end to the COVID-19 crisis, although international numbers remain more depressed compared to 2019.

An ongoing domestic recovery

Argentina’s domestic civil aviation market had 9.5 million travelers between January and September, according to the latest data released by the country’s civil aviation industry. In the same period in 2019, the country had 11.9 million passengers, meaning Argentina has had an overall recovery of around 80% in terms of domestic travelers.

Nonetheless, in September alone, Argentina had 1.18 million domestic passengers, only 11.4% below the traffic levels three years ago, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Argentina’s recovery from the crisis has been a long one. The country lost an important airline during the crisis when LATAM closed its local branch. Moreover, the ongoing economic crisis, with high levels of inflation, has impacted the pockets of Argentinian citizens.

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Last month, Argentina was averaging around 36,889 daily domestic passengers. Aerolíneas Argentinas, the country’s State carrier, had 816,111 passengers in September, holding on to a 69% market share, followed by Flybondi (206,818 passengers and 17% market share), and JetSMART (156,275 passengers, 13%).

Throughout the year, the Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) in Buenos Aires remained the top hub for domestic aviation throughout the country, with 7.4 million passengers in 2022. Other important airports are Bariloche (1.49 million), Córdoba (1.27 million), and Buenos Aires Ezeiza International (1.17 million).

A Flybondi aircraft
In September, Argentina recovered around 80% of its pre-pandemic traffic levels. Photo: Getty Images.

An ongoing international recovery

The international segment has not recovered as strongly for Argentina despite the country becoming a desirable destination for close-by travelers. The weakness of the Argentinian peso has become an advantage for travelers in neighboring countries such as Brazil, Peru, and Uruguay; they can travel and spend less, making Argentina a hot destination this year.

Argentina had 5.5 million travelers between January and September, with numbers increasing from 417,000 in January to a year-high 804,000 in July before dropping to 764,000 in September. Overall, the country recorded a 50% recovery compared to the same period in 2019, when it recorded 11.06 million international travelers. In September alone, the percentage difference compared to 2019 was only 31.5%, according to data by the Argentinian government.

An Aerolíneas Argentinas aircraft
Aerolíneas Argentinas remains the top airline in the country. Photo: Getty Images.

Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) remains the top entry point for international travelers in Argentina, recording more than 96% of all the passengers coming from abroad this year.

Aerolíneas Argentinas remains the top international carrier in the country. In September, the State operator had 195,894 international passengers, holding a 25.64% share. It was followed by LATAM, with 98,295 passengers (12.87%), American Airlines, with 48,573 passengers (6.36%), and Copa Airlines (46,670 passengers, 6.11%).

As of October 2022, Argentina has around 2,865 weekly flights (both domestic and international). Aerolíneas Argentinas offers 1,817 flights and 264,314 seats per week, followed by Flybondi (362 flights) and JetSMART (287 flights).

What do you think about Argentina’s civil aviation recovery in 2022? Let us know in the comments below.