Argentina authorizes LEVEL to operate Buenos Aires–Barcelona flights under its own AOC
Fly Level Barcelona to operate BCN–EZE under its own AOC. Argentina authorizes the IAG airline to fly with its new certification, independent of Iberia.
Argentina’s Undersecretariat for Air Transport, through Resolution 14/2025, has granted Spanish airline Fly Level Barcelona LH, S.L. (LEVEL) authorization to operate regular international passenger and cargo services between Barcelona (BCN), Spain, and Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport (EZE), and vice versa. This authorization marks a key milestone allowing the carrier to operate the route under its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC), recently obtained.
LEVEL, the low-cost long-haul brand of International Airlines Group (IAG), had previously operated this route using Iberia’s AOC, as both airlines belong to the same group. The company obtained its independent AOC in December 2024, according to industry reports and LEVEL itself, enabling it to manage its own operations with greater autonomy. The Argentine government’s latest approval now allows LEVEL to exercise that operational independence on its flights to and from Argentina.
The request from Fly Level Barcelona LH, S.L. and the resulting authorization are based on the bilateral Air Services Agreement between Argentina and Spain, along with its supplementary protocols and understandings. The ruling notes that "the carrier has been duly designated by its national civil aviation authority... to operate regular and non-regular services to our territory" and that "the company has met the legal and administrative requirements set forth by current regulations."
As reported by Aviacionline on December 3, 2024, LEVEL’s acquisition of its own AOC represents "a significant step in its evolution as an independent airline," granting it "full control over its operations" and allowing the development of "custom operating procedures tailored to its low-cost model." This Argentine authorization is a necessary follow-up step for LEVEL to exercise its new operational capabilities in the countries it serves.
The National Directorate of Air Transport, part of Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC), issued a favorable technical report supporting LEVEL’s application. The resolution was signed by Undersecretary of Air Transport Hernán Adrián Gómez, officially enabling LEVEL to operate combined passenger and cargo services under its own credentials. In the near future, this change may allow the airline to use its own IATA code “LL” instead of Iberia’s “IB” on this route.
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What does Argentina’s new authorization mean for Fly Level Barcelona?
It allows the airline to operate the Barcelona–Buenos Aires route under its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC), no longer relying on Iberia’s.
Was LEVEL already flying to Buenos Aires from Barcelona?
Yes, but under Iberia’s AOC. This approval formalizes operations using its own certificate.
When did LEVEL obtain its independent AOC?
In December 2024.
What are the benefits of operating under its own AOC?
Greater operational autonomy, control over scheduling and fleet, and the ability to use its own airline code “LL” in the future.
Who issued the authorization in Argentina?
The Undersecretariat for Air Transport, via Resolution 14/2025.
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