Flybondi Fined 300 Million Argentine Pesos for Alleged Consumer Rights Violations
The Buenos Aires government imposed the fine after identifying violations related to flight cancellations, lack of responses to customers, and failure to provide contractual information. Flybondi rejected the sanction and announced that it will challenge the decision.
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Low-cost airline Flybondi has been fined 300 million Argentine pesos (approximately $300,000 USD) for alleged violations of Consumer Protection Law No. 24,240, following more than 2,400 complaints filed by users in the province of Buenos Aires.
The Ministry of Production, Science, and Technological Innovation of Buenos Aires, through its Undersecretariat for Commercial Development and Investment Promotion, imposed the sanction, arguing that the airline engaged in systematic misconduct detrimental to consumers.
Allegations Against Flybondi
The company has been accused of repeated infractions, including:
- Flight cancellations and rescheduling
- Communication difficulties for passengers seeking refunds or changes
- Failure to provide compensation for additional expenses caused by cancellations, such as transportation, accommodation, and travel packages
Additionally, Flybondi allegedly failed to publish the general and specific terms and conditions of its services on its website, violating existing regulations.
Government Response
Flybondi ranks among the six most-complained-about companies in Buenos Aires province. In 2024 alone, the Provincial Consumer Protection Office received over 2,400 complaints against the airline.
The Buenos Aires government, under Governor Axel Kicillof, reaffirmed its commitment to protecting consumer rights. Minister Augusto Costa emphasized that the fine aims to enforce the law and ensure proper service for passengers.
Flybondi’s Response
The airline rejected the accusations and announced plans to challenge the fine. It argues that the Provincial Consumer Protection Office lacks jurisdiction over aviation matters, citing recent rulings from the Supreme Court of Argentina and the Buenos Aires Judiciary.
Flybondi asserts that aviation activities fall under the Aeronautics Code and are regulated solely by the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC), the only entity with authority over such cases.
The airline insists that it addresses customer complaints through its official channels and provides passengers with the necessary information to exercise their rights under current regulations. Flybondi reaffirmed its commitment to defending its position through administrative and legal avenues, maintaining that it operates in full compliance with industry regulations.
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