By Juan Pedro Sanchez Zamudio
LATAM Chile Cancels International Flights, Reduces Capacity
Although Chile is one of the Latin American countries that has led the vaccination campaign against the COVID-19 pandemic, this crisis continues to affect the airline industry as infections in the South American country continue to increase.
The Chilean government has announced new restrictions and lockdowns to continue fighting against the pandemic with a measure that took effect April 5. LATAM Chile will schedule a limited number of international operations during the month of travel restrictions.
In a press release, LATAM Airlines Group reported the suspension of its scheduled international flights to and from Chile beginning April 5, the date on which the authority’s measure becomes effective, and running until April 30.
However, in order to maintain the country’s connectivity, LATAM Chile will maintain a reduced operation during the period of this restriction to allow the repatriation of residents or citizens or foreigners who wish to leave Chile. For its part, domestic flights will not be affected.
Due to these new measures in Chile, LATAM Airlines Group announced its international flight itinerary for the month of April, departing and arriving at the Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, Chile. For the entire month, the Chilean carrier will be operating three round-trip flights from Santiago to Buenos Aires, one each on April 16, 23 and 30.
In addition, operations between Chile and Bolivia in April will be hugely trimmed back: two round trips from Santiago to La Paz on April 12 and 26 and other two round trips from Santiago to Santa Cruz de la Sierra on April 13 and 27.
A LATAM 767 on short final in Miami. (Photo: AirlineGeeks | William Derrickson)
The destination that will continue to receive the most service will be Sao Paulo. The airline will operate ten one-way flights from Sao Paulo to Santiago, one each on April 6, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20, 21, 24 and 26. Then, the carrier has scheduled nine flights in April from Santiago back to Sao Paulo, which will be completed on April 8, 10, 12, 15, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 29.
In addition to flights to other destinations, the carrier is planning to operate some flights to North America, too. Over the course of the month, the airline will operate flights from Santiago to Mami on April 13, 16, 20, 23 and 27 and, will operate return flights on April 15, 18, 22, 25 and 29.
LATAM Airlines has also informed that the itineraries may be subject to change, and passengers who are affected by this new measure announced by the Chilean government will be able to change the dates of their tickets for free. The airline has worked to stress that, before traveling, passengers should find out about the status of their flight, as well as the travel requirements of each government or local authority.
The three things Juan Pedro loves most about aviation are aircraft, airports, and traveling thousands of miles in just a few hours. What he enjoys the most about aviation is that it is easier and cheaper to travel around the world and this gives you the opportunity to visit places you thought were too far away. He has traveled to different destinations in North, Central, South America and Asia. Born, raised and still living in Perú, Juan is a lawyer, soccer lover, foodie, passionate traveler, dog lover, millennial and curious by nature.
