Argentina grants airlines 90-day extension to comply with new crew rest regulations
The aviation authority formalized the extension one day after the APLA pilots' union blamed the government for the looming disruption of July flights.
In a race against time to prevent operational chaos during peak travel season, Argentina’s National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC) has granted a 90-day extension for airlines to adapt their aircraft to new crew rest standards.
The decision, formalized today through Resolution 402/2025 published in the Official Gazette, comes just 24 hours after the Airline Pilots Association (APLA) issued a stark warning about “hundreds of flight cancellations” during the upcoming winter holiday period. The union blamed the potential disruption on the uncertainty and technical challenges of implementing Decree 378/2025.
According to ANAC, the extension follows requests from several airlines citing “unforeseen delays” in modifying crew rest equipment—such as seat backrests and footrests—on their aircraft. These upgrades are mandatory under Decree 378/2025, which modernizes Argentina’s flight duty and rest regulations in line with U.S. FAA’s FAR Part 117 standards aimed at mitigating pilot fatigue and enhancing operational safety.
Airlines stated that full compliance would require a maximum of 90 calendar days. Although carriers had participated in consultations before the original decree was issued, ANAC granted the extension due to the imminent start of the high season, aiming to avoid cancellations and optimize flight scheduling during a critical period for travel demand.
In a statement released June 24, APLA accused airlines—such as Aerolíneas Argentinas, Flybondi, and JetSMART—of lacking finalized July schedules, and called the decree “unconsulted, illegitimate, and unlawful.” The union held the Undersecretariat of Air Transport responsible for what it called a “total lack of planning,” warning that the lack of predictability would lead to widespread disruptions.
Despite APLA’s allegations, the resolution focuses exclusively on technical compliance issues related to crew rest seating, without addressing broader labor concerns such as duty and rest time regulations.
Why are pilots and airlines divided over Decree 378/2025?
The pilots’ union deems the regulation unworkable on short notice and warns of mass cancellations. Meanwhile, airlines requested a delay due to the complex technical adjustments required—a process involving engineering, part procurement, and certification.
While the 90-day extension averts the immediate threat of a chaotic July, ANAC issued a clear warning in its resolution: after the deadline, airlines will be fully accountable for any cancellations caused by non-compliance. This effectively shifts the responsibility for timely implementation directly onto the carriers.
Desde 2017, haciendo periodismo aeronáutico. Award-Winning Journalist: Ganador de la edición 2023 de "Periodismo de Altura", otorgado por ALTA. Facts don't care about your feelings.
Para comentar, debés estar registradoPor favor, iniciá sesión