President Javier Milei’s government has hailed the news that several low-cost airlines are opening up new international and domestic routes in Argentina.
Low-cost carriers JetSmart, Flybondi, Paranair and GOL have all confirmed in recent weeks that they are expanding their operations in Argentina and will begin offering flights to new locations.
Last weekend, low-cost aviator FlyBondi began operating a new Buenos Aires-Mar del Plata domestic route.
"FlyBondi has already started to connect Mar del Plata with the City of Buenos Aires, making an inaugural flight with 90 percent of its seats occupied and representing the first low-cost airline to fly to that destination," the government said in a statement on social media.
Running four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays) from Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, FlyBondi’s new route was opened with a set of promotional rates starting as low as 9,499 pesos, though prices have risen in recent weeks.
The low-cost carrier now flies to 18 locations across the country, with three international destinations in Brazil also on its list.
News of the new routes comes as Milei attempts to pass through a series of measures to deregulate Argentina’s economy, with the aviation sector targeted as part of the reforms.
In a sweeping emergency decree issued last month, which could still be rejected by Congress, the libertarian leader introduced a new ‘open skies’ policy that aims to “achieve greater competition in the market" and promote "a wide range of flights with affordable prices for passengers.”
In addition to FlyBondi, Paraguayan airline Paranair has announced a new international route connecting Asunción with Córdoba. Starting on March 6, the carrier will offer three flights a week (Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays), the Transport Secretariat confirmed.
Brazilian carrier GOL is also returning to Argentina, opening up a brand-new non-stop route between Buenos Aires and Bogotá, Colombia, starting in April 2024.
Argentina’s other leading low-cost operator, JetSmart, has also unveiled a series of new routes.
From March, the carrier will now fly direct to Concepción (Southern Chile), without stopping in the capital of Santiago.
The firm will also connect Argentina and Chile with new routes from Santiago to Buenos Aires and Mendoza. JetSmart is also adding connections between Buenos Aires and Northern Chile (Iquique, Calama, Antofagasta, la Serena) and Southern Chile (Puerto Montt).
The firm has also improved its offerings to Peru and will now fly from Buenos Aires to Lima. Options to Cusco and Arequipa direct will also be offered. Previously the firm stopped in the Peruvian capital for all flights to the nation.
– PERFIL/NA
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