Argentina fines Flybondi over flight chaos, but allows operations to continue

Argentina's National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) has issued new fines to the low-cost airline Flybondi following a pattern of repeated flight cancellations and delays. The airline faces penalties for canceling over 20 flights in June and more than 100 in July, actions that have significantly impacted passengers.

While the ANAC acknowledged that Flybondi's operational safety remains intact and does not pose a risk, it has levied two new infraction notices. The authority emphasized that current Argentine legislation does not permit the precautionary suspension of ticket sales or operations for authorized companies, citing potential violations of constitutional rights.

Flybondi submitted an action plan last week to address the issues, and the ANAC is currently in technical exchange with the company. However, data from the consulting firm Adventus indicates a continued deterioration in Flybondi's performance. In early August, the airline reported a punctuality rate of just 15.38% and canceled 69.23% of its scheduled flights.

Meanwhile, Brazil has taken a stricter stance, suspending the sale of tickets for Flybondi's Buenos Aires-Rio de Janeiro route and previously for flights to Florianópolis, Maceió, and Salvador. Brazil's National Civil Aviation Agency cited an increase in cancellations, reduced operations, programming inconsistencies, and a surge in passenger complaints as reasons for its decision. Brazil has also prohibited Flybondi from expanding its operations in the Brazilian market until irregularities are rectified.