If you are currently sitting in Jorge Newbery Airfield (AEP) staring at a departure board full of red text, I feel your pain. If you are planning a trip to Argentina later this year, read this before you book a single “low-cost” ticket.
The January 2026 Meltdown: What Happened?
On the second day of 2026, Flybondi, Argentina’s budget airline, canceled 18 out of 20 scheduled flights, leaving thousands of passengers stranded at Buenos Aires airports.
The scene at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery (AEP) was chaotic. While competitor airlines like Aerolíneas Argentinas and JetSmart showed “Green” (On Time) statuses across the board, the Flybondi column was a sea of “Red” (Canceled) and “Delayed.”
For travelers heading to bucket-list destinations like Patagonia (Bariloche, Ushuaia) or Iguazu Falls, this wasn’t just a delay; it was a vacation-ending event. Families with children, backpackers, and seniors were left sleeping on airport floors with little to no communication from airline staff.
The “Delay Loop” Trick: How They Trap You
One of the most frustrating tactics reported during this meltdown – and a common complaint from frequent flyers – is the “Status Update” loop.
Here is how it works:
- The Ghost Flight: You arrive for your flight, and it is marked “Delayed.”
- The Stall: Staff tell you to “check the status again in 4 to 5 hours.”
- The Switch: After waiting half a day at the gate, the flight is suddenly canceled.
- The Rebooking Trap: They rebook you on a flight “leaving in 1 hour.” In reality, that flight might be yesterday’s delayed flight that hasn’t left yet either.
Why do they do this? Many travelers speculate this helps the airline avoid immediate refund demands or masks the fact that they simply do not have enough functional aircraft to service the tickets they sold.
Why Does This Keep Happening?
Flybondi operates on a “Ultra Low Cost” model, but in Argentina’s volatile economic climate, this often comes at the cost of reliability.
- Fleet Shortages: The airline has historically struggled with a small fleet size. If one plane has a mechanical issue (or is stuck in another city), it causes a domino effect that wipes out the entire day’s schedule.
- Overbooking Capacity: Reports suggest the airline sells tickets based on projected capacity rather than actual available aircraft.
What Are Your Alternatives? (Save Your Trip)
If you are stranded or looking to avoid this mess, here is what you need to do immediately:
1. The Reliable (But Pricier) Option: Aerolíneas Argentinas
While often more expensive, the national carrier, Aerolíneas Argentinas, operates from the same airport (AEP) and has a much higher completion rate. If you have the budget, book a last-minute ticket with them to salvage your time. JetSmart is another low-cost option that generally has a better track record than Flybondi.
2. The “Backpacker” Backup: Long-Haul Buses
If flights are grounded, look to the ground. Argentina has an incredible network of long-distance luxury buses (called “Micros”).
- Where to go: Take an Uber from the airport to Retiro Bus Terminal in downtown Buenos Aires.
- What to book: Look for “Cama” or “Semi-Cama” seats. These lie flat like business class seats on a plane.
- The Trade-off: A flight to Iguazu is 2 hours; the bus is 18-20 hours. But a slow bus is better than a canceled flight.
Final Verdict: Is Flybondi Safe?
Physically? Yes, they meet safety standards. Logistically? No. Relying on Flybondi for tight itineraries—especially for connecting international flights or booked tours in Patagonia – is a gamble with high odds of failure.
My advice: Pay the extra $50-$100 for a reliable carrier. Your peace of mind is worth more than the savings.
Quick Summary for Stranded Travelers
| Feature | Flybondi Status | Alternative Solution |
| Reliability | Critical Failure (18/20 canceled Jan 2) | Book Aerolíneas Argentinas or JetSmart. |
| Communication | Poor (4-5 hour wait times) | Check flight status via airport screens, not the app. |
| Refunds | Difficult/Slow | Dispute the charge with your credit card company immediately. |
| Transport | Grounded | Go to Retiro Station for long-distance buses. |
If you want to book really cheap flights in Europe with less cancellation rates, I have made a guide on that, you can read it here.
Is Flybondi reliable for flights to Patagonia?
No, Flybondi is currently experiencing severe reliability issues. On January 2, 2026, the airline canceled 18 out of 20 flights. Due to frequent strikes, mechanical issues, and fleet shortages, it is recommended to book with Aerolíneas Argentinas for time-sensitive trips to Bariloche or Ushuaia.
How do I get a refund from Flybondi for a canceled flight?
Getting a cash refund from Flybondi is notoriously difficult. They often offer vouchers or free rescheduling first. If your flight was canceled, you are legally entitled to a refund, but the fastest way to get your money back is often to dispute the transaction with your credit card provider citing “service not received.”
What airlines are better than Flybondi in Argentina?
Aerolíneas Argentinas is the most reliable option, offering the most routes and backup aircraft. JetSmart is another low-cost carrier that operates in Argentina; while they also face delays, their cancellation rates are generally lower than Flybondi’s.
Which airport does Flybondi fly from in Buenos Aires?
Flybondi primarily operates out of Jorge Newbery Airfield (Aeroparque – AEP), which is located conveniently within the city limits. They also fly occasionally from Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), so always check your ticket carefully to avoid going to the wrong airport.
What happens if Flybondi cancels my flight to Iguazu Falls?
If your flight is canceled, Flybondi may offer to put you on the next available flight, which could be days later. A reliable alternative is to take a long-distance bus from Retiro Terminal. Companies like Via Bariloche or Tigre Iguazu offer “Cama Suite” (lie-flat) seats for the 18-20 hour journey.
Why are Flybondi tickets so much cheaper?
Flybondi is an “Ultra Low Cost Carrier” (ULCC). They keep prices low by unbundling fares (charging extra for bags, seats, and printing boarding passes) and operating a very small, older fleet of Boeing 737s. This lack of “slack” in their system means one mechanical issue can ruin the schedule for days.
Does Flybondi weigh carry-on bags?
Yes, they are very strict. Your carry-on must fit in the sizer and often must weigh under 6kg (13lbs) for the basic personal item or 9kg (20lbs) for a paid carry-on. If you are over the limit, they will charge you a hefty fee at the gate, often costing more than the ticket itself.
Can I use a digital boarding pass for Flybondi?
Yes, but you must check in online 48 hours before your flight. If you forget to check in online and need to print a boarding pass at the airport counter, Flybondi charges a significant penalty fee. Always download the QR code to your phone before arriving.
Is Aeroparque (AEP) the same as Ezeiza (EZE)?
No. Aeroparque (AEP) is the domestic airport located near Palermo and downtown Buenos Aires. Ezeiza (EZE) is the massive international airport located about 45 minutes to an hour outside the city. Flybondi flies from both, but mostly AEP. Transfers between the two can take up to 1.5 hours in traffic.
What rights do passengers have in Argentina for flight cancellations?
If the cancellation is the airline’s fault (maintenance, crew issues), they are required to provide food and hotel accommodation if you are stranded overnight. However, budget airlines often claim “force majeure” (weather/ATC issues) to avoid these costs. Always keep receipts for any expenses you incur during a delay.