The national government has decided to take legal action against the conflict with the air traffic controllers' union, ATEPSA. The Argentine Air Navigation Company (EANA) has filed a criminal complaint with the National Criminal and Correctional Court for interrupting air service and compromising operational safety. EANA argues that placing signs and flags on the external structures of the control towers at Jorge Newbery Airport and Ezeiza International Airport posed a risk to flight safety, as these elements could have been ingested by aircraft engines, endangering passengers and equipment. The state-owned company contends that these distracting and obstructive items hinder the vision and concentration required for air traffic controllers at the country's busiest airports. EANA maintains that the right to protest cannot jeopardize air navigation safety, and the complaint aims to protect operations and citizens' lives. The strike actions by ATEPSA yesterday caused significant flight schedule disruptions, leading to delays and cancellations that affected thousands of passengers at airports across the country. It is estimated that over 40,000 passengers have been affected by cancellations and rebookings. Argentine Airlines projects that over 60 services will be impacted today alone, while Flybondi has had to adjust its schedule to mitigate the impact. The union has confirmed the continuation of its strike plan for December 23, 27, and 29, affecting both domestic and international flights during peak summer season hours. ATEPSA defends the legitimacy of its actions, citing the breakdown of dialogue, breach of the collective bargaining agreement, recent layoffs, and the erosion of the sector's purchasing power. The conflict is now in a legal escalation phase. The intervention of Judge Daniel Rafecas will be crucial in determining whether the union's propaganda actions on control towers constitute a crime against public safety or fall under the lawful exercise of union activity. Until this dispute is resolved, the reliability of air travel for the end of 2025 remains uncertain. Passengers are advised to check their flight status directly with their airline before heading to the airport, as the effects of the strike often extend beyond the scheduled hours due to operational reorganization.
